This study was conducted to determine if a positive correlation exists between music therapy assisted childbirth and perception of the delivery process. 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. Cogan, R. Practice time in prepared childbirth. 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.