In the Age of the IPOD

I can remember walking into the gymnasium of my middle school to attend my last dance as an eighth grader. It feels like it happened just yesterday. The smell of the space, the dimmed lights, the pre-teen chatter all around and Richard Marx's, "Right Here Waiting for You," was blaring from the DJ's sound system. It was one of the best school dances I had ever attended. I had just gotten my braces removed and I was ready to leave middle school and start my new life as a high school freshman. To this day, "Right Here Waiting for You" is one of my most favorite songs.

People tend to associate momentous occasions in the lives with one thing - music. Think about your favorite school dance, your first kiss, your wedding day or maybe even a great night out with your best girlfriends, does a certain song come to mind?

In the age of the IPOD, MP3 player, satellite radio, music downloads and "ripped CDs", people have more access to music than ever before. Music plays such an important role in people's lives, so why can't it play the same role when a new life begins?

The use of music during labor has increased in popularity over the past 20 years. Studies appearing in medical journals, such as the Journal of Perinatal Education and Pain Management Nursing, suggest that using music during labor can greatly reduce and alleviate the pain associated with the childbirth experience.

As I prepare to welcome my first child into the world, I am also preparing my very own personal soundtrack for my labor and delivery. It is only natural to me to have music play a huge role in my birthing experience. Music soothes me, makes me happy and is my outlet of choice for inspiration and relaxation. So, I couldn't think of any time when I would need my music more than the start of my first contraction, my very first push or the first time I saw my child's face.

The sample list below includes suggestions for creating your very own personal soundtrack. Some of the songs are included because of their inspirational lyrics, some are included for the romanticism of it all and some are included just for fun (hey, a girl must keep her sense of humor). Whatever songs you choose, make sure they are your tried and true favorites and help you to feel your very best throughout labor and delivery.

Give music a try and have fun producing your very own birthing soundtrack!

The first contraction:
Don't Worry Baby - The Beach Boys
Every Breath You Take - The Police
By My Side - Sade
Hold On - Sarah McLachlan
With Arms Wide Open - Creed
True Companion - Marc Cohn

The first push:
Here I Am (Come and Take Me) - UB40
Shout - Tears for Fears
Push It - Salt N Pepa
Pressure - Billy Joel
... Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5

The first glance:
Love of my Life - Jim Brickman
Baby, Baby - Amy Grant
My Baby You - Mark Anthony
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) - Billy Joel
Before Your Love - Kelly Clarkson
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Lauryn Hill