The Power of Music for Pain Relief During Labor

When it comes to managing pain during labor, many people look for natural, non-invasive methods to help them stay calm and comfortable. One such method is listening to music. Not only can music provide a soothing backdrop during labor, but it can also play a significant role in pain relief. In this Sweet Bee blog post, we'll explore how music therapy works, the science behind it, and what the research says about using music to ease the labor process. Plus, I'll highlight two of my favorite music therapy options: Maya Elizabeth and J.R. Hairston, and share tips on creating a playlist that matches the phases of labor.

What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a relatively new, non-drug approach to promoting well-being. It is used across various settings, from hospitals to homes, to help people of all ages manage conditions ranging from acute and chronic pain to brain injuries. Music therapy works by engaging the brain's emotional and memory centers, helping to alter the perception of pain and discomfort.

How Does Music Therapy Work to Relieve Pain During Labor?
Researchers believe that listening to music during labor can change how pain is perceived by decreasing its unpleasantness. According to the Bonapace and Marchand Classification, music acts on the higher centers of the central nervous system, which are closely linked to memory and emotion. By activating these mental processes, music can make labor sensations feel more manageable. Additionally, music may stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain to release endorphins and increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with well-being. Music can also help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and provide a positive distraction during labor.

What is the Best Music to Listen to for Relaxation?
In 2012, researchers studied what makes music particularly relaxing during labor. They found that certain intrinsic properties of music, such as tempo, harmony, rhythm, instruments, melody, voices, and pitch, contribute to its relaxing effects. However, they also discovered that familiarity and personal preference play a significant role in how relaxing the music feels. In other words, music is personal, and what might be relaxing for one person might not be for another. It's important to choose music that resonates with you personally.

Creating a Labor Playlist to Match the Phases of Labor
One of the most effective ways to use music during labor is to create a playlist that aligns with the different phases of labor. Music can be a powerful tool to help you stay calm, focused, and energized as you progress through each stage. Here’s how I recommend structuring your playlist:

1. Early Labor
   During early labor, it’s important to stay relaxed and continue about your day as normally as possible. Most people should take this time to rest, so I recommend starting with something calming and peaceful. For me, that’s jazz—artists like Coltrane can create a soothing atmosphere that encourages rest and relaxation.

2. Active Labor
   As you move into active labor, keeping your hips moving and using gravity to help the baby stay positioned on the cervix is key. This is the time to bring in more rhythmic and upbeat music that matches your energy level. My family’s diverse background—African-American, Latina, and Caribbean—means we often turn to genres like soca/calypso, bachata, and hip-hop to keep the energy up and the hips swaying.

3. Transition
   The transition phase is the most intense part of labor, so I like to switch to smooth R&B classics or nature sounds to help maintain focus and calmness. This music helps to soothe the mind and body as you prepare for the final stage.

4. Pushing
   When it’s time to push, I recommend transitioning to your energy music—songs that uplift and motivate you. For me, that’s gospel and early 2000s hits. This is the moment to draw on your strength and determination, and the right music can provide that extra push.

5. After Baby Arrives
   Finally, once your baby has arrived, it’s time for your victory music. Celebrate this incredible moment with songs that bring you joy and mark the triumph of bringing your baby into the world.

Encouragement to Create Your Own Playlist
I encourage you to create a playlist that reflects your personal preferences and cultural background. Music is deeply personal, and the right playlist can make your labor experience more comfortable, empowering, and memorable. Take some time to think about the songs and genres that resonate with you and build your playlist accordingly. It’s a simple yet powerful way to support yourself during one of life’s most significant moments.

My Favorite Music Therapy Options
I want to highlight two music therapy options that I find particularly soothing and effective:

1. Maya Elizabeth
   Maya Elizabeth is a gifted singer-songwriter, performing/recording artist, and worship leader who creates thought-provoking, inspirational-soul music. Her work is designed to resonate with listeners who need to feel seen and loved, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and connection during labor. Born in L.A. and raised in Baltimore, Maya began songwriting at the age of six and has since used her unique voice to spread healing, truth, and love. Her music, which is heavily influenced by her journey of growing self-esteem and seeking purpose, is perfect for creating a peaceful and empowering atmosphere during labor. You can explore her music catalog here.

2. J.R. Hairston
   Another excellent choice is J.R. Hairston, whose first album, Meditations, offers a powerful blend of meditative sounds that can help guide you through the labor experience. His music is crafted to provide deep relaxation and mental clarity, making it an ideal companion during labor. You can listen to his album here.

What Does the Research Say About Music During Labor?

2018 Cochrane Review and Meta-Analysis
A 2018 Cochrane review and meta-analysis looked at relaxation techniques for pain management during labor, including music. The researchers found three randomized controlled trials that compared the experiences of those who listened to music during labor versus those who did not. In two of the studies, participants reported lower pain intensity during early labor when they listened to music. However, no clear benefit was found during the active phase of labor, and there was no significant effect on anxiety levels, except during the transition phase when music did help lower anxiety.

Hollins Martin (2014) Review
A 2014 review examined five studies on the experiences of women who listened to music during labor. Four out of the five studies found that music improved the labor experience compared to having no music. For example, a 2003 study in Thailand with 110 participants found that those who listened to soft, lyric-free music during active labor reported significantly lower pain scores.

Recent Randomized Controlled Trial from Turkey (2018)
In 2018, a study in Turkey explored the effects of a specific type of Turkish music, Acemasiran mood music, on 50 first-time mothers giving birth without pain medication. The participants in the music group listened for three hours with breaks in between. The study found that after the first hour, and continuing throughout labor, those who listened to music reported significantly lower pain and anxiety levels compared to those who did not listen to music.

Entrainment and Binaural Beats
Entrainment is the body’s ability to synchronize its internal state with external rhythms, such as sound. Binaural beats involve listening to two slightly different tones in each ear, which creates a beat that can alter brain waves. While research on binaural beats during childbirth is limited, it’s thought that these techniques might help promote relaxation and pain relief during labor.

Conclusion
The research on using music during labor for pain relief is mixed, but there is evidence to suggest that it can have benefits, particularly during early labor and transition. The key takeaway is that music is a powerful tool that can help lower pain and anxiety, and promote relaxation during labor. The best music to choose is something that is personal and familiar to you, as this will likely have the most positive effect.

Music is a free and accessible way to enhance your birthing experience, and it has no known side effects. Whether you prefer classical music, soft instrumental tracks, or your favorite songs, incorporating music into your labor plan could provide the comfort and support you need.

If you’re interested in learning more about natural pain management techniques during labor, be sure to explore other options and find what works best for you. Thank you for reading, and we hope this information helps you have a positive and empowering birth experience.

References

1. Hollins Martin, C.J., & Martin, C.R. (2014). "Music interventions in maternity care." Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 28(3), 201-208.

2. Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group. (2018). "Relaxation techniques for pain management in labor." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD009514.

3. Akbas, E., & Camur, D. (2018). "The effect of Turkish mood music on the pain and anxiety of primiparous women during labor." Journal of Nursing Research, 26(2), 90-96.

4. Bonapace, J., & Marchand, S. (2002). "The neurophysiological basis of pain perception." Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 26(2), 1-23.