As most new mums know, having a birth plan doesn’t always guarantee you will get the birth you want (contrary to what the NCT tells you). And lots of things, including songs, have a completely new meaning once you’re a parent. Every time I hear ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia I wince thinking about the painful implications for all new mums. I have very clear recollections of rolling around on my birthing ball to Patrick Wolf’s ‘Magic Position’ with baby number one willing him to get his little head in gear rather than stuck to the side of my

wonky pelvis. 42 hours later, he still hadn’t got the memo and I was wheeled into theatre for a C-section, completely exhausted. If only I’d had a suitable playlist lined up, maybe that would have helped power me through.
So, it got me thinking, what sort of songs would help see you through labour? Here’s my ultimate playlist for expectant mums.

1) Push it – Salt-N-Pepa

Surely, the perfect labour song and a personal favourite. This was the anthem of 1989, my last year at primary school, when my friends and I squatted down and gyrated our

pre-pubescent hips on the gym floor at our leaver’s disco (much to the horror of our teachers and parents). If this funky groove doesn’t get you in the mood to push on through then I don’t know what will. Come on ladies, grind that pelvis and ‘push it real good’.

2) Don’t stop me now – Queen

When you’re in the throws of labour and desperate to find that super human strength you need to keep on going. Just turn to the late, great Freddie Mercury for some strength and courage and power through with one of Queen’s greatest songs.

3)

Break on Through to the Other Side (The Doors)

I was a huge fan of The Doors in my turbulent teens and thought this song was pretty appropriate, for the baby and for you. Turn Jim Morrison up and let his beautiful, smokey tones get you through to the other side of the labour ward.

4) Break me gently (Doves)

I’m somewhat reluctant to use the word ‘break’ twice in this list but one of the mum’s from the fab Motherload group I recently joined said she felt her baby crowning to this very song. Pretty apt don’t you think?

5) Got to Get

Thru This (Daniel Bedingfield)

Remember bopping (I’m sure that word alone dates me considerably) to this underrated post millennium belter in provincial clubs in your 20’s? Well now you can relive the halcyon days of your youth in the labour ward and use it as a motivational anthem.

6) I Need A Miracle (Fragma)

Don’t we all feel like we need a flipping miracle at some point during our labour? Especially if it’s the first and going on for hours.

7) Set you Free (N-Trance)

If your baby could speak from the womb, no doubt that’s

what he or she would be howling out those words from the 90’s dance classic by N-Trance.

8) I’m Coming Out (Diana Ross)

Following on from being set free, a vintage classic by the legend that is Diana Ross. Think this one is pretty self-explanatory.

9) The Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash)

I’m just going to leave this one there ladies.

10) Newborn (Elbow)

After all the drama and emotion, the dulcet tones of Elbow should see you through that longed for moment when you hold your precious newborn in your arms and all of the pain melts away

(ha!)

And there we have it. The perfect ‘Now that’s what I call songs to give birth to album.’ Thanks to The Motherload group and my old friend Jill for providing the inspiration. If anyone else have any good suggestions, I’d love to hear them.