Music Therapy in Childbirth: Research in Practice

Examined the effects of music therapy assisted childbirth on muscle relaxation during labor, perception of pain, experience of personal control, pain medication and satisfaction with the birthing experience. Ss were 20 primipara women who had taken childbirth education classes, prior music therapy sessions, coaching in relaxation and breathing techniques, and who had a coach/partner along with music therapy during labor. The control group were primipara women who had the same treatment and who had a coach, but no music therapy. Results show there was no between-group difference in the amount and frequency of medication. An hourly relaxation assessment based on the Trippet Muscle Relaxation Inventory revealed that women in the music therapy group were significantly more relaxed than those in the control group during the 3 hrs prior to delivery. Prenatal and postnatal questionnaires assessing expectations and experience of personal control showed that women in the music therapy group experienced significantly more personal control during their labor than those in the control group. Subjective evaluations of music therapy were compiled from questionnaires and interviews conducted postnatally with women in the study group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved