There are lots of busy elements in the getting-ready-for-baby process. There are classes to take, baby and postpartum items to obtain, birth preferences to consider, emotional and physical changes to work through, and then some. During this process, it’s important to hold on to things that bring you joy and comfort. Not only will these tools be a balm during pregnancy, but also during labor and into parenthood.

While we are experts about postpartum, not music, we can share some anecdotal evidence that music* can be an excellent tool for comfort and joy. It can be used for self-regulation, self-care, and connection during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Music can offer a much needed change in energy/mood, a small bit of time to just sit and be, a way to connect with your baby while they are in the womb, a distraction during labor, and so much more.

*If music is not something you enjoy or it is not accessible to you, we know and understand that there is a wide variety of other tools that you may use for comfort and joy, and we are happy to brainstorm and plan with you.

Our Favorite Ways to Use Music as a Tool During Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum

• Pick a song and commit to simply listening and being while it plays. Consider making this a daily ritual.
• Find songs that help you feel connected to baby in utero. Baby can hear the music and your voice (if you sing). These may be songs that baby will also be drawn to and soothed by after birth.
• Build a playlist (or 2) for labor and birth. Some people like to have a soothing playlist that offers them relaxation and rest, as well as a pump up playlist. There are tons of lists online and if you have a music streaming subscription, you can search for pre-made playlists to use or get ideas from.
• Practice using your voice (vocalizations are really helpful for coping during labor) by singing at least one song each day.
• Notice if/when you experience a mood shift or feel a bit stuck. Invite yourself to find a song that brings in another mood, perhaps something lighter or upbeat. This can be done as a family, too!
• Use songs to find a rhythm for soothing or rocking baby. We love sitting on an exercise/birth ball and gently bouncing to the beat of a song!
• Ask friends to send you songs that make them think of you and vice versa. This can be a quick and fun way to connect with loved ones during postpartum, when you may have less capacity for socializing.
• Use songs for different transitions during the day. For example, you may have a baby bath time song, a preparing to leave the house song, and/or a clean up song. Music can be soothing during transitions (for everyone), AND it can become a cue for baby, which helps them anticipate what’s coming.

How/when/why do you turn to music? What do you notice about your relationship to music? What kinds of music are you/your baby currently drawn to?

ABG is Here for You

Your pregnancy, birthing, and parenting journey matters deeply to us at Austin Baby Guru! We are here to offer support, ideas, and referrals as you navigate these big life transitions. Reach out if you are ready to add extra support to your postpartum team.

*Photo credit: Canva