Music Therapy Asssisted Childbirth is a technique designed by music therapists to aid the birthing woman. It combines traditional birthing methods (such as relaxation, breathing, imagery, move- ment, and massage) with music scientifically proven to support a woman in each phase of labor and delivery.
MB provides a new, successful pain management technique. Specific music programs are designed to meet the needs of the mother, baby, and family. The music program is based on the woman's preferences, biological responses, and emotional/social needs during each stage of labor.
MB uses music to enhance the enjoyment of the childbirth experience, while easing the discomforts of labor and delivery. Music provides a focal point to help reduce the mother's pain while supporting a relaxing environment for mother, baby, partner, and staff. By practicing prenatally, a mother can train her body to experience MUSICAL ENTRAINMENT. This technique conditions muscles to relax, and to breathe in a synchronous manner with the chosen music. Her body will gain an autogenic response to the music. When she is in labor, the music will cue her body how to react, and lessen the pressure of memorization.
In 1977, two researchers discovered why music is so effective in pain management. It is now called the Gate Control Theory of pain. The central nervous system can only process a limited amount of stimuli at a given time. Perception of pain during childbirth can be greatly reduced if the birth mother can direct her concious awareness toward another, positive stimulus (music!). (Melzack and Wall, 1977.)