Creating the Perfect Birth Playlist (video)
Tips and song ideas for every stage of labor
Tips and song ideas for every stage of labor
Music can be a powerful source of comfort during labor and delivery. Many expectant parents create a birth playlist — sometimes called a labor playlist or birthing playlist — to help them stay relaxed, focused and encouraged throughout childbirth.
With today’s streaming services, it’s easy to make custom playlists with hours of music for each stage of labor.
While music is not a medical treatment, many women find it helpful for relaxation, breathing exercises and creating a calmer environment during delivery.
“Music can help reduce labor pain and the emotional distress that can come from it, and in my experience, that can help shorten labor duration,” says Jonathan Dunn, MD, an OB-GYN at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley. “You can pick music that covers the different stages of labor and delivery. Many women pick celebratory and happy music for after birth.”
Add music to your birth plan checklist
Music is optional, of course. But it can be part of your birth plan — a written statement of your preferences during labor and delivery. Your birth plan can include anything from who you want in the delivery room to pain relief preferences and whether you want to play your own music.
If you’re using streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music, consider downloading playlists ahead of time in case hospital Wi-Fi or cell service is limited.
To help prepare for a maternity stay at Scripps, visit: “What to Pack for Your Hospital Stay.”
Tips for creating the perfect labor and delivery playlist
Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect birth playlist:
• Include calming songs for early labor and rest periods
• Add upbeat or motivating songs for pushing and delivery
• Use streaming services to organize playlists by labor stage
• Download playlists ahead of time in case Wi-Fi is unavailable
• Bring headphones or a portable speaker
• Ask your support person to help manage the playlist during labor
• Avoid songs that may feel overstimulating or distracting
• Include a mix of relaxing, empowering and celebratory music
Best birth playlist songs for labor and delivery
The right music often depends on your personal taste. Many people prefer slower, calming songs during early labor and more energetic music later during pushing and delivery.
Here are some popular songs for different stages of labor and delivery. Many were selected by Scripps OB-GYNs:
Early labor and relaxation
• “The Greatest Discovery” – Elton John
• “You Are So Beautiful” – Joe Cocker
• “The Day” – Babyface
• “Golden Hour” – JVKE
• “Until I Found You” – Stephen Sanchez
• “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Active labor and focus
• “My Girl” – The Temptations
• “Shower the People” – James Taylor
• “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
• “Exodus” – Bob Marley
• “Lovely Day” – Bill Withers
• “Flowers” – Miley Cyrus
• “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves
Transition stage and motivation
• “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
• “Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf
• “Don’t Look Down” – Martin Garrix and Usher
• “Stay Up Late” – Talking Heads
• “Roar” – Katy Perry
• “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
• “Lose Control” – Teddy Swims
• “Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan
Pushing and delivery
• “Push It” – Salt-N-Pepa
• “Feel This Moment” – Pitbull and Christina Aguilera
• “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
• “Jump” – Van Halen
• “Love on Top” – Beyoncé
• “A Sky Full of Stars” – Coldplay
• “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
Frequently asked questions about birth playlists
Can I play my own music during labor and delivery?
Most hospitals allow patients to play their own music during labor and delivery using a phone, headphones or portable speaker.
Does music help during labor?
Research suggests music may help reduce stress, anxiety and perceived pain during labor. Many women find music comforting and helpful for relaxation and focus during childbirth.
What kind of music is best for labor?
That depends on personal preference. Some people prefer soft, calming music during early labor and more upbeat songs during pushing and delivery.
When should I make my birth playlist?
Many expectant parents create a birth playlist during the third trimester so it’s ready before heading to the hospital.
How long should a birth playlist be?
Labor length varies widely, so many playlists include several hours of music with a mix of relaxing, motivational and celebratory songs. Streaming services can help you easily build and update playlists as your music preferences change.
Which streaming services are best for birth playlists?
Popular streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Amazon Music all allow users to create custom playlists, download songs offline and organize music by mood or stage of labor.