Valley Birth Network

by Mary DiCamillo, Ed.D, MT-BC

Although there have been advancements in anesthesia for labor and delivery in recent years, many couples today choose to have a natural childbirth experience. It has been substantiated by research that birth outcomes for mother and baby can be greatly enhanced through the natural childbirth process. Many free-standing and hospital-based family birthing centers are popping up around the country to meet this growing need. Several nonpharmacological interventions are available to laboring mothers including hypnosis, biofeedback, touch and massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. Another successful pain management technique being explored is the application of prepared music programs during Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth.

In the early 1980’s, Music Therapists began to explore the use of “audioanalgesia” (sound for pain relief) in the music therapy process in working with labor and delivery patients. Music therapists assist patients in the clinical application of music in suppressing the pain response, but can also work with patients in deeper psychological and emotional ways. The process of “music therapy” differs from “music medicine” based on the establishment of a relationship between therapist and patient. Music therapists specifically design and develop unique treatments for each patient based on the patient’s need and condition.

A Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth program is conducted by a board-certified music therapist, (with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree) and consists of a series of sessions usually offered in the last trimester of pregnancy. Some music therapists also provide labor and delivery support for the couple during the birth and post-natal visits. Couples are taught how to use music to support their physical and emotional needs throughout the stages of labor and delivery.

The music therapist assists the couple in selecting and applying a specially chosen music program to calm, comfort, block pain and focus breathing for each mother. The music therapist may also provide instruction in imagery and relaxation techniques, movement training, singing of lullabies and womb songs, and other creative arts experiences. (A womb song is a special song that is written for the baby while in utero.) Familiar music can help comfort the mother during the birth experience and practice with the music before the birth is essential. This therapy has been found to significantly decrease the mother’s anxiety and pain responses, decrease the need for analgesic medications during birth, and has contributed to overall positive feelings about the birth process (DiCamillo, 2000).

A recent study of 14 couples who participated in a Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth program found that music therapy was very beneficial during the labor and delivery process (DiCamillo, 1999). The use of music during labor and delivery was most effective in supporting (rhythmic) breathing (86%), remaining calm (86%), focus (71%), and in pain management (64%). Women who practiced the techniques at home and who were familiar with their music felt in control and had more positive birth experiences. Many of the women (64%) felt in control most of the time during labor and delivery. Imagery techniques were effective when paired with the music and (71%) stated that these techniques were the most beneficial. All of the women (100%) felt well supported during labor and delivery. All participants (100%) stated that the music therapy program enhanced family bonding with the baby during the immediate postpartum period.

For more information, or to consult with a Music Therapist in the Fox Valley area for your birth, contact:

Tiffany Vollrath, CD (DONA), MT-BC
Home - 920-303-9567
Cell - 920-716-1018

*DiCamillo, M (1999). A bio-psycho-social model of music therapy assisted childbirth: an integrative approach to working with families. Doctoral Dissertation. Pepperdine University.

*DiCamillo, M. (2000). Music therapy assisted childbirth: a case study of an emergency high-risk pre-term delivery due to pregnancy-induced hypertension. International Music Society for Prenatal Development Review. 12. 2. 8-13