Using Music to Ease the Pain of Labor

For women about to give birth, one of the last things on their mind may be ensuring they have on hand the right music.

But maybe they should. Various studies have found that music can reduce anxiety and stress during birth and ease the pain of labor.

"There's a lot of pain and discomfort that can come before the joy of birth," says Judy Catenacci, CNM, All Women's Healthcare, New Jersey. "You should latch onto anything that would provide you some comfort."

Doctors and midwives are increasingly embracing the notion that music can help improve the birth experience for mothers. Indeed, a CD or mp3 player is on most checklists nowadays for what to bring to hospitals, some of which supply players in birthing suites.

From this need to soothe sprang the CD "Stork Tunes: Songs for a Happy Birth Day", a compilation of songs focused on mothers and children by top artists. Benefiting the March of Dimes efforts to give every baby a healthy start in life, the CD is designed to not only help women relax during labor, but also provide music to enjoy with their babies as they grow.

Catenacci also reminds expectant mothers to bring "soothing" music. So, you may want to leave your Ozzy Osbourne and Snoop Dogg collections at home.

"Stork Tunes helps us achieve two critical goals of our organization, namely providing useful resources for moms and pregnant women, and raising money for research and other programs to help more babies be born healthy," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

Among the artists on the CD are Celine Dion ("A Mother's Prayer"); Katrina Carlson ("Mother"); and The Dixie Chicks ("Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)").

All of the artists donated their music for the CD, which will benefit the March of Dimes efforts to give every baby a healthy start in life.

The CD is available for $15.99 at http://www.storktunes.com, or please visit http://www.MarchofDimes.com.