Hey friends! Let’s talk about something super cool that could make your labor and birth experience feel a little less daunting and a whole lot more empowering: neural nostalgia.
By Sara Ward, Clarity and Compassion: Birth Journey Services
I know, it sounds...scientific, but it’s really just about how the songs from your teenage years can work some serious magic when you’re bringing a new life into the world. Those tunes you blasted in your room or sang with your besties? They’re like a time machine for your emotions, and I’m so excited to share how they can help you feel stronger, calmer, and more confident during birth. Plus, I’ll walk you through creating the perfect birth playlist to make it all happen. Ready? Let’s dive in!
What’s Neural Nostalgia, Anyway?
Picture this: You’re 15, headphones on, losing yourself in your favorite song. That music wasn’t just background noise—it was part of who you were becoming. That’s neural nostalgia, the way songs from our teen years (roughly 13 to 19) sink deep into our brains, creating powerful emotional connections that stick with us forever. It’s not just you being sentimental; it’s science! During adolescence, your brain is wiring itself like crazy, especially the parts that handle emotions and memories. Add in those wild teenage hormones, and every song you loved back then got locked in with extra meaning.
This ties into something called the reminiscence bump, which is just a fancy way of saying we remember our teenage years more vividly than other times in our lives. Those songs? They’re like keys that unlock not just the music but the feelings, people, and moments tied to them. And when you play them, your brain lights up, releasing happy chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin that make you feel good. How awesome is that? Now, let’s see how this can make labor a little easier and a lot more special.
Why Your Teen Jams Are Perfect for Labor
Labor is intense—physically, emotionally, mentally. But those nostalgic tunes from your youth can be like a warm hug from your teenage self, helping you through in some really beautiful ways. Here’s how they can make a difference:
1. Easing Pain and Helping You Chill
Labor hurts, no sugarcoating it. But here’s the cool part: when you listen to those songs you loved as a teen, your brain pumps out dopamine and serotonin, which are like nature’s painkillers. They can take the edge off contractions and make you feel more relaxed. Plus, you get a hit of oxytocin—the “love hormone” that helps with bonding and even makes contractions work more smoothly. Imagine singing along to your high school anthem during a tough moment—it’s like your brain says, “Hey, we’ve got this!” and suddenly, you’re a little more at ease.
2. Boosting Your Confidence
Think back to your teenage self. You were figuring out who you were, finding your people, and maybe even feeling unstoppable while dancing to your favorite track. Those songs can bring that fierce, fearless version of you right back. During labor, tapping into that vibe can remind you of your strength and resilience. It’s like your younger self is cheering you on, saying, “You’re a rockstar, and you can do this!” That boost of confidence can make all the difference when things feel overwhelming.
3. Lifting Your Mood and Making Memories
Birth can be scary, but nostalgic music brings back joy, connection, and all the good feels from your youth. That rush of endorphins can turn the vibe in the room from tense to warm and even fun. You might find yourself smiling with your partner or doula, sharing a moment that makes the whole experience feel special. And after your baby’s here, those songs can keep the good vibes going, helping you recover and creating sweet memories you’ll cherish forever.
Basically, these songs aren’t just music—they’re a direct line to your inner strength and joy, perfect for making labor feel less like a challenge and more like a triumph.
How to Build Your Ultimate Birth Playlist
Okay, let’s get to the fun part: creating a birth playlist that’s all you. This isn’t about picking trendy songs—it’s about finding the tracks that take you back to your teenage glory days. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
Step 1: Travel Back to Your Teen Years
Close your eyes and think about ages 13 to 19. What songs were you obsessed with? Maybe it was blasting pop hits in your room, rocking out to a punk song at a school talent show, or slow-dancing to a ballad at prom. Write down anything that gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings—songs tied to happy moments like road trips, first crushes, or hanging with your crew. Skip anything that brings up sad or stressful memories; we want pure joy here.
Step 2: Mix It Up for the Journey
Labor can be a long ride, so aim for a playlist with 20-50 songs to keep things fresh. Include a variety of vibes:
Upbeat Bangers: Think energetic songs that make you want to move—perfect for powering through active labor.
Mellow Tunes: Softer songs or ballads for when you need to rest or focus during pushing.
Empowering Anthems: Those tracks that made you feel like you could conquer the world—great for boosting your inner strength.
Play the playlist during prenatal relaxation or a cozy evening to make sure it feels right. You’ll know a song’s a keeper if it makes you smile or tear up with happy memories.
Step 3: Make It Personal
This is about you, so lean into songs that feel like they shaped who you are. Maybe it’s the track you and your best friend sang at the top of your lungs or the one that got you through a big moment. If you’re stuck, check out apps like Spotify—they’ve got “throwback” playlists that can jog your memory. Just make sure it feels like your story.
Step 4: Set It Up for Birth Day
• Share the playlist with your birth team (partner, doula or midwife) so they can hit play when you need it.
• Bring wireless headphones or a small speaker for easy listening in any setting.
• Download the playlist offline to avoid any Wi-Fi drama.
• Be flexible—labor might have you looping one song or skipping others, and that’s totally okay.
By building a playlist rooted in neural nostalgia, you’re not just picking songs—you’re creating a vibe that’s uniquely yours, ready to carry you through labor with strength and love.
You’ve Got This, and Your Playlist Does Too!
I’m so excited for you to tap into the power of neural nostalgia for your birth. Your playlist is like a secret superpower, ready to help you feel calm, confident, and connected. It will remind you of the incredible person you’ve always been and give you that extra push to welcome your baby into the world. So, dig out those old favorites, build that playlist, and let the music carry you through this amazing journey. You’re going to rock this, just like you rocked those high school dance floors!
What songs are on your nostalgia playlist? Drop them below—I’d love to hear what takes you back!
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