When you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, your to do list can feel endless. The nursery needs finishing touches. Tiny clothes need washing. Hospital bags need packing. Somewhere between choosing nappies and installing the car seat, many expecting parents overlook one surprisingly powerful tool for labour and delivery: music.

A carefully chosen birthing playlist can help create a calm atmosphere, reduce anxiety, provide motivation during challenging moments, and make the entire birth experience feel more personal. Whether you’re planning a home birth, heading to a birth centre, or delivering in hospital, the right music can become a comforting companion throughout labour.

The best birthing playlist is not about finding universally perfect songs. It is about choosing music that helps you feel relaxed, strong, empowered, and emotionally connected. To help you build the perfect soundtrack for labour and delivery, we’ve gathered 50 of the best songs to consider adding to your playlist.

Why Music Can Help During Labour

Music affects both the mind and body in remarkable ways. It can lower stress levels, encourage deeper breathing, provide a sense of familiarity, and even help pass the time during long stretches of labour.

Many parents find that certain songs help them focus during contractions, while others provide an emotional boost when energy starts to fade. The beauty of a birthing playlist is that it can evolve with the different stages of labour.

You might begin with soothing instrumentals, transition into uplifting songs during active labour, and finish with meaningful tracks as you meet your baby for the first time.

Gentle Songs for Early Labour

The early stages of labour are often best supported by calm, peaceful music that encourages relaxation and helps keep adrenaline levels low.

River Flows in You by Yiruma

Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi

Near Light by Ólafur Arnalds

Bloom by The Paper Kites

Holocene by Bon Iver

Turning Page by Sleeping At Last

Skinny Love by Birdy

Better Together by Jack Johnson

The Luckiest by Ben Folds

Your Song by Elton John

These songs create a soothing backdrop without demanding too much attention, allowing you to focus on your breathing and comfort.

Uplifting Songs to Keep You Motivated

As labour progresses, many parents appreciate music that brings positive energy and emotional strength.

Rise Up by Andra Day

Brave by Sara Bareilles

Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Unstoppable by Sia

Roar by Katy Perry

Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine

Good as Hell by Lizzo

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay

Beautiful Day by U2

These tracks can serve as gentle reminders of your resilience during some of labour’s more demanding moments.

Relaxing Instrumentals for Focus and Breathing

Instrumental music is a popular choice because it creates atmosphere without lyrics competing for attention.

Experience by Ludovico Einaudi

Comptine d’un autre été by Yann Tiersen

On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter

Arrival of the Birds by The Cinematic Orchestra

Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pärt

Divenire by Ludovico Einaudi

Una Mattina by Ludovico Einaudi

A Model of the Universe by Jóhann Jóhannsson

Light Through the Veins by Jon Hopkins

Weightless by Marconi Union

Many hypnobirthing practitioners recommend instrumental music because it supports concentration and relaxation throughout labour.

Feel Good Songs That Lift the Mood

Labour can be long. Sometimes a familiar favourite is exactly what’s needed to lighten the atmosphere.

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

Lovely Day by Bill Withers

Count on Me by Bruno Mars

You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Better Place by Rachel Platten

Send Me on My Way by Rusted Root

A smile between contractions can sometimes be surprisingly powerful.

Songs About Love and Connection

Birth is one of life’s most emotional experiences. These songs celebrate love, family, and new beginnings.

Make You Feel My Love by Adele

How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding

You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

All of Me by John Legend

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

The One by Kodaline

First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes

God Only Knows by The Beach Boys

Latch Acoustic Version by Sam Smith

Forever Like That by Ben Rector

Many parents choose one or two of these songs specifically for the moments immediately after birth.

Meaningful Songs for Meeting Your Baby

The first cuddles with your newborn are unforgettable. These songs can make those precious memories even more special.

Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses

Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

Beautiful Boy by John Lennon

Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift

My Wish by Rascal Flatts

Baby Mine by Alison Krauss

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

You Are My Sunshine by Jasmine Thompson

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Forever Young by Rod Stewart

Years from now, hearing these songs may instantly transport you back to the moment you first held your baby.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Birthing Playlist

The most successful birthing playlists reflect the personality of the parent giving birth. Include songs that genuinely comfort you rather than choosing tracks simply because they appear on someone else’s list.

Download your playlist in advance in case internet access is unreliable. Create several shorter playlists for different moods and stages of labour. Keep the volume gentle enough that you can still communicate comfortably with your birth partner and healthcare team.

Most importantly, stay flexible. Labour is unpredictable, and what sounds perfect during pregnancy may not feel right on the day. Having a variety of options gives you the freedom to adapt.

The Soundtrack to One of Life’s Biggest Moments

Every birth story is unique, and the music accompanying yours should be too. Whether you find comfort in soft piano melodies, empowering anthems, acoustic love songs, or nostalgic favourites, your birthing playlist can help create an atmosphere of calm, confidence, and connection.

As you prepare to welcome your baby into the world, take some time to build a playlist that feels like you. The right songs may not make labour easy, but they can help make the experience more meaningful, memorable, and deeply personal.