Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth
Did you know that when used appropriately during pregnancy and childbirth, music can decrease pain and discomfort, create a sense of empowerment, and strengthen bonds between the birthing parents and baby?
In music therapy assisted childbirth, families work with a board-certified music therapist throughout pregnancy to develop an evidence-based birth plan that includes personalized playlists, custom womb songs, live musical support during birth, and considerations for using music during postpartum.
More About Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth
What does research say about music and birth?
The first research study about the use of music in labor was conducted in 1951! The Soundbirthing™ Method of Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth was developed as a result of further research in the 1980s. Since then, many research studies have found that the Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth protocol can enhance family bonding (DiCamillo, 1999), reduce fatigue (Fulton, 2005), reduce pain and discomfort (Simalvi et al, 2014), and even reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction during cesarean births (Chang et al, 2005).
What is included in my Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Package?
Each music therapy assisted childbirth package includes three prenatal sessions, live support during labor and delivery, access to personalized playlists, recording of a custom womb song, and one postpartum session.
What does a Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Experience look like?
While each birthing experience is unique, you can expect your MTACB trained music therapist to meet with you in the last trimester of pregnancy to help you plan your birth experience and to teach you how to use music to support your physical, mental, and emotional needs throughout the stages of labor and delivery. You will also receive access to personalized playlists that are created to help you sleep, feel calm, bond with baby, bond with your partner, block discomfort, and focus your breathing. Other creative experiences may include womb song writing, lullaby singing, music and movement, or music and imagery. Your music therapist will then provide live support during labor and delivery, including playing your baby’s individualized womb song at the moment of birth to welcome them into your arms. During the postpartum period, your music therapist will make a follow-up visit to check-in and process your birthing experience with you.
What is a board-certified music therapist?
A board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) is a professional who has completed an approved degree in music therapy and 1200 hours of clinical training, including a supervised internship. The credential is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) following a candidate passing the national board certification exam. MT-BC’s are responsible for continuing education and adhering to the ethical and professional standards of the profession. For more information, visit the American Music Therapy Association’s website: https://www.
I don't want in-person support during labor, can I still receive Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth?
If you do not wish to receive in-person support during labor, you can choose to receive Birth Music Consultation instead. This teaches you how to most effectively utilize music during labor and delivery but does not include the music therapist at the birth. We do not currently provide this service at Music & Miracles however we can give you a referral to a Birth Music Consultation Specialist.
I have a doula, can I still receive Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth?
Yes, if you have a doula you can still receive MTACB. However, you can also choose to receive Birth Music Consultation instead. This teaches you how to most effectively utilize music during labor and delivery but does not include the music therapist at the birth. We do not currently provide this service at Music & Miracles however we can give you a referral to a Birth Music Consultation Specialist.
It’s Easy to Get Started
Schedule a Q&A
Set up a free 15-minute Q&A session with a board-certified music therapist to ask any questions you have about music therapy.
Book an Assessment
Our board-certified music therapist will conduct an assessment to determine if music therapy is an effective treatment and establish goals for future sessions.
Make Some Music
If an assessment determines that music therapy is an effective treatment, it’s time to make music! We’ll work together to determine a therapy schedule that’s right for you.