What is Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth?
Many couples today choose to have a natural childbirth. Research suggests that birth outcomes for mother and baby can be greatly enhanced through the natural childbirth process. Family birthing centers are popping up around the country to meet this growing need. Several nonpharmalogical interventions are available to laboring mothers including: hypnosis, biofeedback, touch and massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electric nerve simulation. Another successful discomfort managment technique being explored is the application of prepared music programs during Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth.
In the early 1980s, Music Therapists began to explore the use of "audioanalgesia" (sound for discomfort 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 discomfort 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, 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. In these sessions, you will:
Learn how to use music to support your physical and emotional needs throughout the stages of labor and delivery.
Receive assistance in selecting and applying a specially chosen music program to calm, comfort, block discomfort, and focus breathing.
Obtain 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 discomfort responses, decrease the need for analgesic medications during birth, and has contributed to overall positive feelings about the birth process.
www.soundbirthingmusic.com for more information
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