The Power of Melody: Music as a Natural Analgesic
Labour is an intense physical and emotional experience. Along with medical pain-relief options like epidurals and TENS units, music has emerged as a simple yet powerful tool to ease labour discomfort. Music can create a sense of calm, offer emotional comfort, and help women feel more in control during childbirth.
"I do allow music and play music in the delivery room. It helps reduce anxiety and creates a calmer environment for the mother."
— Dr. Pooja Thukral
Delivery Room Rhythms: Cesarean vs Vaginal Birth
Music can be helpful in both cesarean and vaginal births, though its role may differ. During cesarean sections, music often helps reduce fear and anxiety in the operating theatre. In vaginal births, it acts as a soothing background, helping women cope better with contractions.
Dr. Pooja Thukral explains that patients are encouraged to choose music that resonates with them culturally or spiritually, such as bhajans, kirtans, or mantras, making the experience more personal and reassuring.
Relieving Labour Pain: Placebo Effect and Beyond
Music does not eliminate labour pain entirely, but it can significantly soften the experience. Familiar and calming sounds help divert attention from pain, trigger relaxation, and encourage the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
"Listening to relaxing chants or familiar music has a cumulative effect along with epidurals or TENS, making labour relatively less painful."
— Dr. Pooja Thukral
How Music Empowers Women During Labour
Labour is unpredictable, and pain often intensifies as delivery approaches. Music gives women a sense of control over their surroundings. Choosing what to listen to helps distract the mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes emotional strength during contractions.
A Mother’s Experience with Music in Labour
Many new mothers report that music helped them stay calm and grounded during labour. Soft, familiar tunes can become deeply connected with the birth experience, creating comforting memories associated with childbirth.
Creating Your Labour Playlist
- Choose familiar songs that evoke comfort and positivity
- Prefer soft, calming melodies over loud or stimulating music
- Include spiritual or cultural music if it brings emotional reassurance
- Test your playlist during pregnancy to see what relaxes you most
- Keep a backup option in case of technical issues
FAQs
Yes, most hospitals allow music during labour and delivery. It helps reduce anxiety and makes the birthing environment more comfortable.
Music helps distract the mind, promotes relaxation, and encourages the release of endorphins, which naturally reduce pain perception.
Yes, babies can hear sounds in the womb, especially in the third trimester. Soft music may help keep both mother and baby calm.
Conclusion
Music may not remove labour pain completely, but it offers emotional comfort, relaxation, and a sense of control. With the right playlist, labour can feel more manageable and empowering. As shared by Dr. Pooja Thukral, integrating music into childbirth care can positively shape the birthing experience.
