The power of sound

Sound: an essential ingredient in yoga, labour, and birth. Whether it’s the sound of your own breath, the inhales and exhales of the person beside you, the sound of music that supports you during a yoga practice or labour, or the deep birthing sounds of a woman bringing a baby into the world, there is always a soundtrack.

Many students have approached me after prenatal yoga classes to find out what music I play during our yoga practices. I also provide music suggestions for labour to my pregnancy doula & birth doula clients. It is so great to have alternatives to panflutes! I wanted to share some of my favourite recommendations.

It’s a good idea to download these early and get to know them during yoga, relaxation, or just before you go to sleep. Your body will begin to relax in response to the familiar sounds.

Returning - Jennifer Berezan

Ocean Waves - Dan Gibson (just ocean waves)

Helms In The Morning - Morgan Doctor

Devi Prayer - 108 Sacred Names of Mother Divine

Last Dance - Sarah McLachlan

Devi Puja - Krishna Das

Om Kar - Gardner Cole

Mere Guru Dev - Krishna Das

There are a few other bands I play a lot who each have a handful of sweet mellow tracks – choose your favourites:

Sigur Ros

Iron & Wine

Bon Iver

Of course, sweet and mellow may not be what you’re looking for at all! Let the idea of sound supporting you during labour and birth percolate and find your own soundtrack.

Music and movement find their way into the secret places of the soul. ~ Plato