Frequently asked questions about Music Motives and Sound Birthing

1. What is Music Motives?

   It is the private practice of Sally Niles that has provided clients with music therapy services for over 10 years. The philosophy of Music Motives is to “provide motivation and support to all ages and individual needs through music therapy interventions.” To find out more about what music therapy is and how it is utilized: www.musictherapy.org

2. What is Sound Birthing?

   Sound Birthing is a program designed to meet the bio-psycho-social needs of the mother-to-be and partner during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Programs are individualized and customized to correspond to the direct emotional and physical processes that occur during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Music is used as a specific tool to prepare for birth, bond with baby, for pain management and to elicit the relaxation response necessary to the birthing process. The Sound Birthing techniques were researched and developed by Mary DiCamillo,Ed.D., a Board Certified Music Therapist who has field tested the music programs and has trained other music therapists in music therapy assisted childbirth techniques.

3. How do you use music during pregnancy?

   There are many different ways music can be used to help a couple during pregnancy. The most common way is to use music listening for a specific intent and purpose such as relaxation and to practice breathing. The music therapist helps a couple to choose music that is most effective in helping the pregnant mom learn how to relax plus gives guided imagery and music evoked visualizations that help her to bond with baby and prepare for the birth process in a positive, creative and enjoyable manner. Customized music programs are also given for exercise and movement to help the muscles condition themselves for birth. Music helps this process as the muscle memory becomes integrated into the music stimulus.

4. What kind of music is used for birth?

   Some music programs are based on the musical preferences of the birth mother and partner. However, research has demonstrated that certain styles of music and certain tempi (rates of speed) can elicit physical changes in the mother such as blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing patterns. With this in mind, the music therapist customizes the birth music to work within the phases of labor — early, active, transition, pushing, and immediate post-partum . These customized programs are given to the mother during pregnancy in order to familiarize and practice working with the music prior to labor. Pre-natal sessions also use live music making such as lullaby singing, creating womb songs etc. because singing is a wonderful way to condition the breathing patterns and help the mother to relax. Babies also respond positively to the sounds of the human voice, particularly mom and dad’s.

5. How is Sound Birthing different from other childbirth classes or programs offered in the hospital or community setting?

   Music Motives~Sound Birthing not only focuses on the basics of childbirth education, but also provides personal training that takes time to look at the emotional and psychological elements that occur during pregnancy. Yes, these are common and natural feelings a woman goes through as the doctors, magazines and books tell us. However, many couples find it very useful and rewarding to talk and explore their feelings more in depth and in creative ways such as music and art. This type of preparation time is not always available in the traditional childbirth classes offered where common medical interventions and hospital orientation information take up some of the class time. It is the intent of the Sound Birthing Doula to bring the mind, body, and emotional connection to the birth process and to assist the birth mother and partner to fully explore and practice the techniques in order to help support the birth in a positive manner.

6. Do you work for the hospital or for my doctor?

   I am self-employed. I work for you, not your physician or the hospital.

   I was told to let the hospital call my doctor after my labor starts. When do I call my Sound Birthing Doula?

   Please call when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. I need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come. I will also decide where to meet at that time: at your home, the hospital etc. Except for extraordinary circumstance, I or my back up will remain with you through your labor and birth.

7. How early should one start the Sound Birthing Program?

   The earlier one is engaged in Sound Birthing, the more benefits will be derived. It is a cumulative effect. Much like an athlete preparing for the Olympics, physical and mental practice is the key to a positive outcome. The Sound Birthing Doula can adapt your personal program to fit your needs and your time table.