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Lamaze, breathing, and relaxation exercises
Gideonse, Ted. "Music is Good Medicine" Newsweek. September 21, 1998. p. 103.
(bound journals)
Music therapy can help all types of people to overcome obstacles or disabilities or can help them learn to cope with them. Listening to music in the delivery room can help keep a laboring mother in sync with her contractions. It affects many of the body's systems and can directly influence pulse, pressure, and activity of muscles. Music therapy is a growing field.
Bruscia, Kenneth, Relaxation: Music,Childbirth Education: Practice Research & Theory Ch. 13 Pg. 201-15
RG 973.N53
Increasingly, music is used during childbirth education classes to enhance relaxation and during childbirth to decrease anxiety and pain. This chapter examines the properties of music, the research on music therapy and the application of music in childbirth education classes and during childbirth.
E. (1987). Improvisational Models of Music Therapy. Springfield, IL: Thomas Books. p 353-359.
Call #ML.3920.B78 1987 c.1
This chapter discusses goals of the mother in labor and how music aids in meeting these goals. Vocal improvisation techniques are described when they are used for breathing tempos and other important goals in childbirth. Four stages of music therapy are studied in this chapter.
Andersen, J.A clarification of the Lamaze method. Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1977, 6(2), 53-54.
(Microfilm)
This article attempts to clarify any misconceptions in using the term, “natural childbirth” to describe the Lamaze method. It looks at the Lamaze approach; techniques and their application to childbirth by examining psychoprophylactic methods and their objectives. It is concluded that these methods are not method-oriented but goal-oriented in hopes to provide a way to achieve a delivery in which the mother is fully aware and has actively participated in the birth experience.
Hanser, S. B., Larson, S. C., & O'Connell, A. S.The effect of music on relaxation of expectant mothers during labor. Journal of Music Therapy, 1983, 20(2), 50-58.
(Journals Bound)
In this study, seven women enrolled in a Lamaze class worked with a music therapist to devise a music program to be used during labor. The music was chosen on a individualized basis and was determined through an interview with the client. The therapist took music preferences and the women's breathing responses to certain music into account when working out the program.
Results concluded that 100% of the participants displayed fewer pain responses when music was playing during labor.
Anxiety and stress
Kennerley, Helen. (1995). Managing Anxiety: A Training Manual. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Call #RC.531.K46 1995
Relaxation and breathing is an important part of dealing with anxiety. Anxiety can be managed through training and counseling and doesn't have to be a big part in one's life. Audio stimulation can also be a positive way of managing anxiety and can help to calm and sooth the anxious individual. Music is the most widely used form of audio stimulation to combat anxiety.
McKinney, Cathy H. "Music Therapy in Obstetrics: A Review" Music Therapy Perspectives, 1990,Volume 8
(Microfilm)
Music therapy can be used to treat anxiety in the delivery room and combines music and imagery. Pre-labor sessions helped to decrease anxiety in expectant mothers and helped them to feel more in control of the situations they faced. Music can be used with the Lamaze technique to distract from pain, pace breathing, and promote relaxation.
Liebman, Sammi S. and MacLaren, Aileen. "The Effects of Music and Relaxation on the Third Trimester Anxiety in Adolescent Pregnancy" Journal of Music Therapy, 1991, 28(2), 89-90.
(Microfilm)
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music and relaxation on anxiety levels in a population of pregnant girls. Nineteen girls were studied for the experimental group while 20 were put in the control group. They were all given a stress test. The experimental group was given individual therapy sessions once a week. During the last few months of the pregnancies, all the subjects were given another stress test. It was found that the girls who received counseling and music therapy were less anxious than those who hadn't received it were.
Livingston, Janice C. "Music for the Childbearing Family" JOGN Nursing, 1979, November/December. p. 363-367.
(Microfilm)
Music therapy can be used to aid in many experiences in life. Exercise, relaxation, controlled breathing, and sensory stimulation may help to enhance the experience of classes, labor, and delivery. Music can stimulate physical responses, such as reduction of pain, and psychological responses, such as reducing anxiety
Clark, M. E., McCorkle, R. R., & Williams, S. B.Music therapy - assisted labor and delivery. Journal of Music Therapy, 1981, 18(2), 88-100.
(Microfilm)
This study was conducted to determine if a positive correlation exists between music therapy assisted childbirth and perception of the delivery process. The results indicate that it does reduce the level of anxiety that many first time (or second, third, etc.) mothers have of childbirth. The music in this study was multi-purposed. First, it helped focus attention through heightened awareness. Second, it served as a distraction from the pain. Next, it reached the emotional response system of the participants. Music also has the potential for becoming a conditioned stimulus for relaxation. Guided imagery and music helps make the “dream” involved in this process hold more meaning. Music present during childbirth helps breathing patterns and perceived feelings of support.
Goldfried, M. R. & Trier, C. S.Effectiveness of relaxation as an active coping skill. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1974, 83(4), 348-355.
(Journals Bound)
This research looked at speech anxiety and examined whether relaxation lessened the anxiety. There were two studies conducted. One group of participants were told that the relaxation exercises themselves would reduce their anxiety level. The other group was told that what they were learning could be used as a coping skill. A control group was also included. The results found that the group trained to use relaxation as a coping skill were more satisfied with the results. There may have been a confounding variable, however. Some participants in the second and in the control group also used relaxation as a relaxation technique. It was concluded that the results revealed a conservative estimate of relaxation.
Podolsky, M.D., Edward. (1954). New York: Philosophical Library
Call #ML.3920.P752
The effects of anxiety on the body can be very negative and may be dealt with in many ways. Music is a natural substitute for states of fantasy, anxiety, and excitement and can help one be outside oneself for a small period of time. Music can be used as a distraction to the fear and can help a person relax and go on with normal daily activities.
Depression in men before and after the birth of a child. 1998-11-01 American Family Physician, 11/01/98, Vol. 58 Issue 7, p1670, 3/4p MILLER, KARL
This article explains a survey conducted to research the depression in men after childbirth. It shows different factors that can effect a man and how he deals with the childbirth. Music would be very helpful in this situation because it could help pull the man out of his depression by using the iso-principle, or it could aid in making the birth process a celebration by using up beat music for delivery.
Elton, Diana; Stanley, Gordon; and Burrows, Graham. (1983). Psychological Control of Pain. New York, NY: Grune and Stratton. p. 169-181.
Call #RB.127.E51 1983
Relaxation is an important step in therapy and can help with mental and physical stress. Anxiety, being related to relaxation, can be overcome by breathing techniques. Many of these techniques are discussed, including relaxation, imagery, and movement.
Jimenez, S. L.Education for the childbearing year. Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1980, 97-99.
(Microfilm)
This article includes a comprehensive application of psychoprophylaxis. It stresses the importance of educators using the expanding application of these methods to help parents discover and learn to use internal and external resources for handling crisis situations. The results indicate that parents had effectively dealt with the challenges and stresses of pregnancy and labor and were able to apply the knowledge they had learned and ability to cope in this new phase of life as a parent.
Sasmor, J.L.Stress adaptation. Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1973, 2(6), 48-50.
(Microfilm)
This article takes a look at three consistent commonalties in all approaches to educated and informed childbirth. The three commonalties are 1)factual information of human reproduction and detailed descriptions of the process of labor and delivery, 2)controlled relaxation, and 3)response to labor sensations and the use of specific learned breathing techniques. Results concluded that these three areas are considered in theory relating to childbirth. A basis for the understanding of human behavior and the ability to cope with stress is given.
Partners in childbirth
How Women Experience the Presence of Their Partners at the Births of Their Babies. 1998-11-01 Bondas-Salonen, Terese
In Finland, it was discovered that women in labor preferred to have their partners with them during birth even if the “women were insulted by their partners.” Music would be a good aid in this situation because, if the partner were handling the music, it would give him an active hand in the childbirth process.
Depression in men before and after the birth of a child. 1998-11-01 American Family Physician, 11/01/98, Vol. 58 Issue 7, p1670, 3/4p MILLER, KARL
This article explains a survey conducted to research depression in men after childbirth. It shows different factors that can effect a man and how he deals with the childbirth. Music would be very helpful in this situation because it could help pull the man out of his depression by using the iso-principle, or it could aid in making the birth process a celebration by using up beat music for delivery.
Pain
Chinn, Peggy L. & Watson, Jean, ed. (1994). Art and Aesthetics in Nursing. New York, NY: National League for Nursing. 291-300
Call #RT.42.A77 1994
This section of the book reveals the general therapeutic uses of music for helping patients who are dealing with pain and other ailments. Music therapy can relieve physical pain and may also be prescribed for therapeutic techniques. Studies with hearing and music have revealed positive results for the patients receiving music therapy.
Providing Comfort During Labor and Birth, Maternal and Child Health Nursing
Chap 19 Pg. 527-43 RG 951.P637
Concerns about the pain involved in labor and birth can sometimes dominate a pregnant woman's, or couples thoughts about childbirth, particularly as the baby's due date approaches. Providing information during prenatal visits about natural methods for pain relief as well as the pharmacological options available in her health care setting can help allay these fears. This chapter includes an overview of pain relief during childbirth.
Labor and Delivery, First Time Motherhood Pg. 57-63 RG 560.M47
This chapter covers birth from the experience of first time mothers. It describes social support, pain, age differences, group complications and the overall birth experience.
Cogan, R.Practice time in prepared childbirth. Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1978, 7(1), 33-38.
(Microfilm)
In this study two populations of women who had childbirth preparation completed a postpartum questionnaire to determine the amount of practice time of basic techniques in correlation with optimum pain reduction. Results concluded that the practice of breathing techniques for a minimum of ten minutes a day was associated with less pain during the active and transitional phases of labor, practice of neuromuscular release for a minimum of five minutes a day was associated with less pain during the active phase of labor, and practice of the husband and wife team occasionally was associated with less pain during the transitional phase of labor. The more extensive practice times did not indicate any further pain reduction during the labor and birth experience.
Livingston, Janice C. "Music for the Childbearing Family" JOGN Nursing, 1979, November/December. p. 363-367.
(Microfilm)
Music therapy can be used to aid in many experiences in life. Exercise, relaxation, controlled breathing, and sensory stimulation may help to enhance the experience of classes, labor, and delivery. Music can stimulate physical responses, such as reduction of pain, and psychological responses, such as reducing anxiety
Durham, L., & Collins, M.The effect of music as a conditioning aid in prepared childbirth education.
Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, 1986, 15, 268-270.
(Microfilm)
This article discussed a study that was conducted on music and childbirth pain. Participants included 30 couples, 15 of which were in the experimental group. The measurement used to determine pain intensity was the frequency with which pain medication was used. The results showed no significant difference in the amount of pain medication used between groups. However, childbirth educators asked to continue the use of music during classes because it created a relaxed atmosphere and common ground for couples to related with each other.
Geden, E. A., Lower, M., Beattie, S., & Beck, N.Effects of music and imagery on physiologic and self-report of analogued labor pain. Nursing Research, 1989, 38(1), 37- 41.
(Journals Bound)
This study researched the effect of music on pain simulated by a Forgione-Barber pain simulator. There were actually two studies conducted. One examined the effects of the type of music on self-reported pain, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. The other assessed whether imagery training was influenced by music or not. Both studies revealed that the music had no main effects. However, participants who used their own imagery with music did report less pain.
Hanser, S. B., Larson, S. C., & O'Connell, A. S.The effect of music on relaxation of expectant mothers during labor.Journal of Music Therapy, 1983, 20(2), 50-58.
(Journals Bound)
In this study, seven women enrolled in a Lamaze class worked with a music therapist to devise a music program to be used during labor. The music was chosen on a individualized basis and was determined through an interview with the client. The therapist took music preferences and the women's breathing responses to certain music into account when working out the program. Results concluded that 100% of the participants displayed fewer pain responses when music was playing during labor.
Stevens, R. J.Psychological strategies for management of pain in prepared childbirth I: A review of the research.Birth and the Family Journal, 1976, 3(4), 157- 164.
(Microfilm)
This article discusses the psychological strategies for the management of pain in prepared childbirth and examines whether the childbirth techniques would alleviate pain or promote needless suffering. This study indicated the effectiveness and importance of the multiple approaches, such as attention focusing, Hawthorn effect, cognitive control, and systematic relaxation for trained couples to use during childbirth to alleviate pain. It concluded that psychological strategies were effective in the management of pain during childbirth.
(1997) Expert Pain Management. (1997) Springhouse, Pennsylvania: Springhouse Corporation.
Call #127.E97 1997
Music therapy involves music or musical activities to meet certain planned goals. Pain reduction, relaxation, and reduced anxiety are among the desired goals. Music therapy can involve distraction from pain, increased sense of control, and increased self-esteem.
Wolfe, D. E.Pain rehabilitation and music therapy.Journal of Music Therapy, 1978, 15(4), 162-178.
(Journals Bound)
This article discussed pain rehabilitation for people who had reported chronic pain for at least six months. The study tested if positive reinforcement for positive behavior would decrease complaining and “pain behavior.” The results indicated that complaining behavior did decrease, and physical activity increased. Group sessions were also conducted and music listening activities were used as a stimulus for group discussion. In addition to the above results, it was also found that many of the patients enjoyed the group music sessions and asked that music be played during their exercise periods.
McDowell, C. R.Obstetrical applications of audioanalgesia.Hospital Topics, 1966, 44, 102-104.
(Microfilm)
This study was conducted with women in labor over a 10-month time frame. 240 patients participated. They had the option of listening to white noise, or music, or both. It was reported that maximum relief of pain was obtained when the volume was increased at the beginning of a contraction and decreased afterwards. It was also found that there was no significant difference between groups and the amount of meperidine given. The study did find that the women's normal fears were reduced by not being able to hear medical discussions or sounds.
Norr, K. L., Block, C. R., Charles, A., Meyering, S., & Meyers, E.Explaining pain and enjoyment in childbirth. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 1977, 18, 260- 275.
(Microfilm)
This article explores the social process of childbirth. A model was constructed of social, psychological, and biophysical facts in order to account for the women's birth experiences. Results indicated that enjoyment and pain although related, have emerged as two distinctly separate dimensions of childbirth, preparation for childbirth and social setting of labor are two factors that can be easily manipulated. Especially important is the active encouragement of the support person to give the woman continued support throughout labor, and share in the joy of the birth.
Lowe, N.The pain and discomfort of labor and birth.Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1996, 25, 82-92.
(Microfilm)
This article looks at the association of the physiologic process with pain and discomfort, and the complex and subjective interaction of multiple physiologic and psychosocial factors on a woman's individual interpretation of the labor stimuli. A multidimensional framework was used to provide a basis for a woman-centered approach to labor pain management that includes a wide range of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic intervention strategies. Research evidence concludes that an explanation of the individual differences in pain during labor must be considered in influencing of physiologic and psychosocial variables.
Siegele, D. S.The gate control theory.American Journal of Nursing, 1974, 74(3), 498-502.
(Microfilm)
The gate control theory is a distinctive concept in which pain impulses are transmitted from nerve receptors through the spinal cord to the brain and can be modulated or altered in the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebral cortex. This article explains the influence of psychological factors on the pain experience, including interpretation and perception. Anxiety plays a major role in intensifying pain perception. Results concluded that providing appropriate information about pain can help a person in problem solving approaches to achieve comfort. Pre and postoperative education can decrease pain by the use of motivation-affect processes in order for a person to participate in their care actively.
Medicaid patients pay out of own pockets for childbirth relief. 1999-03-29 Women's Health Weekly, 03/29/99-04/05/99, p13, 1/2p Key, Sandra W.; Lindgren, Maryclaire
Doctors are now asking Medicaid supported patients who are in labor to pay for pain relievers in cash before they are administered. Music would be useful in this situation. Not only is there the stress of having a child, there is the added stress of securing money for the drugs. Music could calm the mother and get her to breathe regularly, as well as take her mind off the pain.
The Conquest of Pain, Pain, Pleasure, and American Childbirth RG 652.S243
This book shifts the emphasis from the conquest of pain to the quest for pleasure. In addition, it analyzes the consequences this relatively recent shift had for the trajectory of labor, for the relationships among childbearing women, nurses, and physicians, and for the conceptualization of childbirth and women.
Music Therapy, Pain Management Handbook Pg. 223-224 RB 127.S25
Matching the right type of music to the patient is a case-by-case decision. The therapist's goal is to elicit spontaneous healing images unique to the individual, not supplied by suggestion or script, by activating a
Pain, Music Therapy in Treatment of Medical Conditions Pg. 205-211 ML 3920.D28
This chapter covers different areas of pain management and control. It describes different areas of assessment and therapeutic practices that can be useful in pain management and control. A broad range of responses, sensory enhancements, memory images, and feelings are discussed.
Pain; What is it, and how can it be reduced?,Prepared Childbirth Pg. 39-51 RG E61.T8
What is it about childbirth that is painful? Are there purely physical reasons for pain during labor or is the whole thing psychological, a product of society's conditioning? This chapter reviews pain in childbirth and ways to cope with it.
Adolescents' perceptions of pain during labor. 1998-02-01 Clinical Nursing Research, Feb98, Vol. 7 Issue 1, p82, 12p Author: Sittner, Barbara; Hudson, Diane Brage; et al
This site describes the different thresholds of pain in adolescent labor. There were three stages tested for what the pain felt like and what the pain read on several pain-o-meters. Music would assist in relaxing the adolescent and taking her mind off the pain. It may even bring the pain-o-meter readings down a little bit
Birthing methods
Special deliveries. 1998-05-01 Ebony, May98, Vol. 53 Issue 7, p40, 3p Kinnon, Joy Bennett
This article notes the difference in how women gave birth twenty years ago as opposed to now. They talk about using a birthing suite with a Jacuzzi and a panoramic view. Music is also one of the newer contributions to women's labor process.Assessment of mother and fetus in labor. 1999-03-27 BMJ: British Medical Journal, 03/27/99, Vol. 318 Issue 7187, p858, 4p Steer, Philip
This article explains how doctors treat women who are in labor. It goes through the different stages of pre-labor symptoms and how the doctors can tell if a woman is actually in labor. Music would be helpful here to calm and relax the mother-to-be while the doctors are testing her, or if she is actually in labor
Complications and Disabilities
Labor in special circumstances. 1999-04-24 BMJ: British Medical Journal, 04/24/99, Vol. 318 Issue 7191, p1124, 4p, Chamberlain, Geoffrey
This article lists all the different problems a woman can potentially have during labor. There are charts and statistics which help you to understand what your problem is, and there are some remedies for the ailments.
Music can be a good way to Labor and Delivery, First Time Motherhood Pg. 57-63 RG 560.M47
This chapter describes birth from the perspective of first time mothers. It discusses social support, pain, age differences, group complications and the overall birth experience. Strategies to help with the stress of discovering the problem as well as to make the birthing process easier are included.
Disability and childbirth: Meeting the challenges. 1998-08-25 CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 08/25/98, Vol. 159 Issue 4, p363, 7p, Carty, Elaine M.
More women with disabilities are choosing to have children now than ever before. This article focuses on defining what, exactly, a disability is as well as finding ways to help women with disabilities who are having children. Music would be an excellent use for both the childbirth process as well as helping the mother deal with having a child while she has a disability.
Why use it/what to choose
Sammons, L. N.The use of music by women during childbirth.Journal of Nurse-Midwifery, 1984, 29(4), 266-270.
(Journals Bound)
The intent of this study was to determine what factors influence a woman's decision to use music and to find out if use of music in preparatory classes increases its use during delivery. The results found that relatively few participants used music, with many reported they didn't consider it an option. This opinion was demonstrated in both groups. There were many benefits discussed including evoking personal responses to music, reinforcing rhythmic breathing and using music as a distraction. Use as a distraction was favored by some women, while others didn't want to be distracted from their relaxation and breathing techniques.
Music Therapy,Complementary/Alternative Therapies in Nursing,Chap 21 Pg. 243-58 RT 41.153
This chapter discusses Music Therapy from the beginning of time. It discusses the five elements of music, the scientific bases of music therapy, and also a practical list of uses, one of which is pain management.
Birth,The Healing Energies of Music,Pg. 82,ML 3920.L695
Music can help prepare the way for an incoming child, and it heightens the atmosphere of the home or the birthing room. This site includes a list of welcoming pieces that will help an infant to enter earth's destiny in joy and warmth.
Midwifery
Midwives make childbirth safer. 1998-01-01 World Health, Jan/Feb98, Vol. 51 Issue 1, p4, 2p Thompson, Anne
Music during childbirth is often used at home and with a midwife. This article explains the benefits of at-home births with a midwife. It describes the history of midwifes and how they currently practice their career.
Mood
Schultz, C., & Lang, G.The reliability of music preferences under varying mood conditions. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1963, 19, 506.
(Microfilm)
This article was a report of a study conducted to determine if music preference varied with mood. The IPAT Music Preference Test was administered before any manipulation was done. After two months, one group's mood was manipulated to be jovial, and the others to be anxiety stricken. The IPAT Music Preference Test was then administered again. The results showed that mood had no effect on music preference.
General Information
Smith, E. D.Group process and childbirth education. Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1978, 7(4), 157-164.
(Microfilm)
The purpose of this article is to focus on the functions of the group process, which enhances learning for expectant parents. Negotiating a contract with group members helps to describe realistic expectations and new behaviors that will be learned. An atmosphere of encouragement and praise are conducive to the promotion of learning. All members need to interact on an equal basis to facilitate group cohesiveness. Identification of stressors on relationships between partners is essential. Results conclude that new knowledge, reassurance and encouragement leads to increasing self-confidence, and a supportive group interaction can enhance these feelings of self-confidence.
Willmuth, L. R.Prepared childbirth and the concept of control. Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1975, 4(5), 38-41.
(Microfilm)
This article examines the reasons women give for satisfaction with prepared childbirth and the effect it had on the labor and delivery process. Results indicated that expectations related to control could be predicted, and that mothers who were in control of their own lives would benefit most from childbirth preparation. Education for childbirth offered to help women in maintaining the perception of being in control during this critical time in their lives, and therefore would significantly contribute to satisfaction of the childbirth experience.
Willmuth, R., Weaver, L., & Borenstein, J.Satisfaction with prepared childbirth and locus of control.
Journal of Gynecological Nursing, 1978, 7(3), 33-37.
(Microfilm)
This study takes a look at the positive correlation between a sense of personal control (internal locus of control) and the satisfaction of the prepared childbirth experience. It is important to point out that an individual's locus of control is only one factor that could influence the satisfaction with prepared childbirth. This study recognizes that multiple factors could influence the satisfaction of prepared childbirth. Results indicated that satisfaction with this experience is definitely related to the individual's expectancy of locus of control. Childbirth preparation classes directly affected the outcome of the experience, depending on the person's sense of personal control.
Care in normal birth: A practical guide. 1998-01-01 World Health, Jan/Feb98, Vol. 51 Issue 1, p31, 3/4p
This article presents information on several publications produced by World Health Organization (WHO). There are guidelines on the routine care of women during uncomplicated labor and childbirth as well as information on midwifery at home. Music can be used both with labor in the hospital as well as labor at home.