News Story
By Emma Elsworthy
Elton John’s ‘The Circle of Life’ has been voted the best song to give birth to – by mums.
A new study reveals the top 20 tracks mums would most like to listen to while on the labour ward, with ‘I want to break free’ by Queen coming in a close second.
‘Roar’ by Katy Perry, ‘I’m Coming Out’ by Diana Ross and Salt n Pepa’s ‘Push It’ – the soundtrack to the new Pampers #ThankYouMidwife advert - also feature in the top five tunes.
Four in 10 mums polled had music playing in the background when they were awaiting the arrival of their child, with 84 per cent saying it was a welcome distraction.
Music which is ‘chilled out’ is the top choice for the birthing suite (40 per cent) followed by something upbeat and happy (37 per cent).
Caroline Gorrie, Pampers Brand Manager, who carried out the study via OnePoll.com said: “Our new ad has a brilliant soundtrack that really highlights just how much midwives help mums push through during labour.
“This got us thinking what songs expectant mums listen to in the delivery suite and the results are great!”
The study found Pharrell Williams’ cheery tune ‘Happy’ is the sixth most popular tune to be heard in the labour room, while another one in 10 mums would like to hear ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ by Guns n Roses.
‘Under Pressure’ by David Bowie or Queen, 2Unlimited’s ‘Get Ready for This’ and ‘You are the Sunshine of my Life’ by Stevie Wonder complete the top 10.
Thirteen per cent of the nation’s babies were born during a particular song, and for half of their mums, hearing the song played now brings back happy memories.
More than half of those mums who had music playing during labour said it helped to relax them, and 41 per cent are convinced uplifting tracks can help women endure the pain of giving birth.
Music is even used by mums before birth – with 68 per cent claiming they would play music to their bump while pregnant.
Of these, 43 per cent are convinced their baby then recognised the tunes they had listened to while in mum’s tummy.
Understandably, a resounding nine out of 10 mums were nervous about giving birth, and adopted several methods to try and prepare for what was ahead.
Just under half of mums attended regular antenatal class, while 35 per cent found it helpful to write a birthing plan.
Another four in 10 prepared by getting lots of sleep in the lead up to the main event, while 27 per cent practiced relaxation techniques and 17 per cent talked to midwives about the process.
One in six mums enjoyed writing a music playlist, while one in 10 got together favourite pillows, sock and lucky mascots for when labour finally happened.
The study also revealed that of the mums polled, 56 per cent said they relied on their midwife the most during labour, not far behind the 63 per cent that said their partner.
Caroline Gorrie, Pampers Brand Manager, continued: “This survey not only showcases the influence of music during birth, but also throws testament to the fabulous job that midwives do to support to women whilst in labour.
“With 1 in 3 midwives admitting they feel undervalued and under-appreciated, our #ThankYouMidwife campaign and new ‘Push It’ advert aims to show midwives how much they’re appreciated and valued by the nation.”
TOP 20 ENTRANCE TRACKS
1. The Circle of Life, Elton John
2. I Want to Break Free, Queen
3. Roar, Katy Perry
4. Push It, Salt n Pepa
5. I'm Coming Out, Diana Ross
6. Happy, Pharrell Williams
7. Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns n Roses
8. Under Pressure, David Bowie / Queen
9. Get Ready for This, 2Unlimited
10. You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Stevie Wonder
11. Easy Like Sunday Morning, Lionel Richie
12. Just Breathe, Pearl Jam
13. Let It Go, Idina Menzel
14. Brown Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
15. The Drugs Don't Work, The Verve
16. Let's Go, Calvin Harris
17. Let it Go, James Bay
18. Try, Pink
19. Sunrise, Norah Jones
20. Don't Panic, Coldplay
ENDS
