A birthing playlist can bring something familiar into your birth space. Start with music you enjoy, listen to it while practising your breathing or relaxation, and notice what feels helpful. Then show your birth partner how to find and play it.
Your playlist can be short and simple. A few favourite tracks, one album or a single piece of music on repeat may suit you perfectly.
What music should you put on a birthing playlist?
Choose music according to how it feels to you. Some people enjoy gentle instrumental tracks or nature sounds. Others prefer familiar songs with lyrics, something uplifting or a mixture of styles.
You could make two playlists:
- Quiet and restful: music you enjoy when settling down, resting or listening to your breathing.
- Uplifting and familiar: songs that make you feel encouraged, connected or like moving.
These are options to have available, rather than a schedule for labour. You can change the music whenever you want, or switch it off.
Practise with your music before birth
Play your chosen tracks during a short breathing practice, guided relaxation or massage from your partner. This gives you a chance to discover what you actually enjoy when you are settling down.
Notice the details. Does a sudden change in volume distract you? Do the lyrics draw your attention away from your breathing? Does a familiar melody feel reassuring?
Keep what works for you and remove anything irritating. As you practise, you and your partner become more familiar with the music and how you like to use it.
Can you include hypnobirthing recordings?
Yes. If you use guided hypnobirthing relaxation recordings, keep them easy to find alongside your music. You might prefer separate playlists so you can choose between spoken guidance and music without words.
Listen to the recordings during pregnancy so you know their content and length. Check that you can hear the voice clearly through whichever speaker or headphones you plan to use.
Give your birth partner a practical job
Show your partner where everything is saved and how you want it played. They can take care of the practical details while you focus on what you need.
- Agree on which playlist or recording to start with.
- Show them how to repeat a favourite track and adjust the volume.
- Explain whether you prefer tracks in order or on shuffle.
- Let them know that you may ask for different music or silence.
A simple request such as “quieter”, “change it” or “off” may be all you want to say during labour. Talking beforehand gives your partner a clear way to respond.
A practical checklist for playing music during birth
- Check offline access: if your app allows downloads, save your music and recordings and check that they play without an internet connection.
- Check for interruptions: listen for adverts and consider notification settings that suit your communication needs.
- Pack what you need: your phone, charger and any speaker or headphones you plan to use.
- Check your birth space: ask what equipment is available and whether you can bring your own speaker.
- Keep communication easy: use a volume that lets you hear your partner and maternity team.
What my own playlist taught me
When I prepared for my first baby's birth, I chose favourite Dire Straits and salsa songs. But at Birthcare, the speaker I had expected to use was missing. I also realised that my song choices felt too lively for what I wanted during labour.
That experience reminded me to check the practical details and spend time relaxing with the music beforehand. Your favourites for a weekend at home may be different from what you want during birth.
What if you want silence instead?
That is completely fine. Something you enjoyed during pregnancy may feel distracting in labour. Your playlist is there as an option, and you can ask for quiet at any point.
Preparing gives you choices. Confidence includes noticing what feels helpful and letting the people around you know when you need a change.
Prepare together with Confident Hypnobirthing
Confident Hypnobirthing teaches practical breathing and relaxation tools, with clear guidance for your birth partner. You practise together so you both understand how to use the techniques and which words, touch and prompts feel reassuring.
Join in-person hypnobirthing classes at Birthcare Parnell in Auckland, or prepare at your own pace with the online hypnobirthing course, available throughout New Zealand.
Your music can be one familiar part of that preparation, alongside a breathing technique you know and a partner who understands how to help.