Right when I think I have everything done that needs to get done, I think of one more thing I have to do. Most women at this point in their pregnancy are trying all kinds of tactics to get labor moving. They are ready to be done being pregnant.
I know when I was 38 weeks pregnant with Meghan I was bouncing on my exercise ball every night in attempt to get her to drop, taking long walks, trying all of the old wives tales. I was so done with the whole being pregnant thing.
This time, I feel a lot differently about it. I’m totally fine with Baby Bean staying put a little longer. With a due date three days before Christmas, I really don’t have as much time to think about how awful it is to be this pregnant. I’m too busy.
One of the things on my ever-expanding to-do list was to make a labor playlist. I love music and know that it can help keep me calm, motivated, or more relaxed. I made two playlists for the different stages of labor.
The first playlist is a light music list. This is for when I’m trying to relax through my contractions and work with my body, not against it. ( The Bradley Birth Method
really emphasizes this.) Some of the songs are just old favorites, others remind me of a certain time or person that might just help me escape the moment.
The second playlist is for when I need to get pumped up. What I remember most about the pushing stage with Meghan is how much work it was. Pushing a 7 pound baby out of your body is sweaty, hard work. For that, I need music that fits the moment. The kind of music I’d listen to during a tough workout or before a big game in my athlete days. Some of the songs just have a more upbeat tempo, others are definitely get-in-the-moment songs.
You’ll notice that I have random taste in music–both lists contain an eclectic sampling of singer/songwriter, rock, alternative, country, Christian, dance, pop, and hip hop. Here’s to hoping this music will bring me through a manageable, uncomplicated labor.
Question: Do you have any great song suggestions that I should add to either list?
Suzanne says
December 9, 2011 at 8:54 pmNow, mind you, I have no experience with pregnancy playlists… my experience is just from the music I use when I’m running. But my suggestions are Soldier by Eminem and Dog Days are Over by Florence & The Machine (this one reminds me of my recent wedding). Good luck with everything! Can’t wait to see pictures of the little one 🙂
Suzanne says
December 9, 2011 at 8:54 pmAnd I should’ve said “labor playlists”
Maryea says
December 12, 2011 at 2:55 pmThanks for the suggestions! Most of the upbeat music is music I like to run to, as well. 🙂
Michaela says
December 7, 2011 at 9:19 pmI love your playlists!!
Well, I would add “Push It” by Salt n´Pepa 😉
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 10:09 pmI am cracking up over here! 🙂
Michaela says
December 7, 2011 at 10:30 pmI was, too, when I was typing this 😀
Lydia says
December 7, 2011 at 4:32 pmI like the idea of having a music list. I needed your blog and ideas when I was pregnant:-) You are an inspiration. It is hard to believe you are already at the end of your pregnancy. Thank you for sharing your pregnancy journey. I have enjoyed keeping up with it the best I could:-) I am thankful that you have had a healthy pregnancy and that baby bean is growing strong. I look forward to hear how the birthing process goes. You have a well thought out birth plan. Keep smiling:-) I pray for a healthy mama, labor, delivery, and baby.
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 10:17 pmThank you for your prayers, Lydia! 🙂
Meg says
December 7, 2011 at 4:07 pmThe only one I’m not sure about is “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” In this case, it’s totally fine for big girls to cry. 🙂 You’re so close! Hooray! Wishing you the best!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 10:18 pmGood point! I wasn’t thinking about the lyrics there. 🙂
Lou says
December 7, 2011 at 3:51 pmI put together HUGE play lists, and then when the time came, I didn’t even care about music – my partner just started putting on whatever he wanted to hear (I was in labour land!) I think my son came out to the Rolling Stones – Start me Up, which is quite appropriate, and My partner was stoked as he is a massive Rolling Stones fan.
Any kinda of Bob Marley is great for relaxing, happy vibes 🙂
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 10:19 pmBob Marley is a good call. I totally forgot about music with my first, so who knows if I’ll want it this time. I want to be prepared just in case. 🙂
Alison says
December 7, 2011 at 11:36 amThat seems like such a great idea. I don’t have kids yet, but I’ll definitely be doing this once that time comes!
Also, I LOVE your taste in music!! Its just as random as mine is!
Kristi says
December 7, 2011 at 11:18 amI’m a total dork, but I had a lot of JohnDenver on my playlist. The OBGYN was like “Wow, you’re taking me back to high school!”
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:38 pmI love John Denver so I guess I’m a big dork, too. 🙂 I might have to add Country Roads to my mellow list.
Lisa @ Healthy Diaries says
December 7, 2011 at 11:08 amLooks like you have 2 great playlists there full of great songs!
I’ve heard many birth stories where moms didn’t even want their music on because it just annoyed them, but I’ve also heard some say how much it helped! Can’t wait to see how it goes for you. You’re almost there!!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:41 pmI brought my ipod when I had Meghan, but totally forgot about it. Music wasn’t even on my mind. I didn’t have a specific playlist ready so maybe this time will be different.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
December 7, 2011 at 12:09 amI think it’s great you made a playlist. Some of the songs you put in your workout one made me laugh and surprised me! Like, Eminem!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:43 pmWithout Me reminds me of college (showing my age here) and the Lose Yourself just pumps me up. I used to listen to it when I was training for road races. I do like a wide range of music. 🙂 Crazy Train is what made my husband laugh.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
December 6, 2011 at 11:20 pmyou are SO close! And as you said, with so much to do before Xmas…no time to think about those final (uncomfy) pregnant weeks that can happen. Here’s to an amazing birth!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:43 pmThanks, Averie!
Jessica says
December 6, 2011 at 10:18 pmOutkast “Hey YA” I wish you the best! We are at week 3 of our bradley class. I have started to compile my list!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:44 pmThat is a good one that reminds me of my wedding so I think I better add it! Thanks. 🙂 How do you like the Bradley class? I only read the book, didn’t take a class. I wish we would have though because it would have been easier for my husband to understand everything and be on the same page with a class we took together. Oh, well.
Jessica says
December 7, 2011 at 5:04 pmExactlly! It is great to take the class to have both of us on the same page! I am loving having designated time(12 weeks of 2 hour classes) together to talk about our day and the baby. I started reading the book, but it was too in depth for my ADD:) The husband coached bradley book gives a good overview.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
December 6, 2011 at 9:08 pmI am all across the board too! I loved reading through your playlist because that sounds like something I would have on mine! Great music on there!!! 🙂
Jane says
December 6, 2011 at 5:56 pmHow funny– I’ve been working on music playlists for my labor too! I’m doing a home birth, so I feel like music and lighting will be really helpful in getting me to relax and get my mind off the contractions. My problem is I don’t know what kind of music is going to relax me– I have playlists that I use when I’m cleaning that I love, but I wonder if they will annoy me when I’m in labor. I have no idea until I get there, I guess. I downloaded this one from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Probably-Best-Music-Relaxation-Meditation/dp/B002EEMRJ2 as well as some other similar type music, but again, don’t know if this will be helpful to me or not.
Good luck with your labor and delivery!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:45 pmI know what you mean–as I was choosing songs I was trying to picture myself in labor and wondering which songs I’d want to hear. You never know what’s going to annoy you when you are in the moment!
Anna Jorgenson says
December 6, 2011 at 5:03 pmI had a play list downloaded to my ipod. I love music too. But for me, when I was in labor I forgot about the music. Music helped me through an MRI once. I love a lot of the songs you’ve chosen!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:46 pmI brought my ipod (but didn’t have a playlist) when I was having Meghan, but totally forgot about it. I want to be prepared in case I want music, though. You never know!
Emily says
December 6, 2011 at 4:34 pmI love the idea of laboring with music! I must say…I’m a little surprised to see Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco on your list–I used to love them back in “the day.”
Best of luck! I’m pretty sure nothing tops a new baby as a Christmas gift!
Maryea says
December 7, 2011 at 2:47 pmHaha my “back in the day” songs are more like Jewel and Dave Matthews Band. Actually a lot of these songs are oldies but goodies. 🙂