28 Best Songs for Labor & Delivery: Your Ultimate Playlist for a Calm Birth

The journey of childbirth is a powerful and deeply personal experience, one often accompanied by a rollercoaster of emotions. To help navigate this transformative time, we've compiled a playlist of songs designed to provide comfort, strength, and even a little celebratory joy. This carefully curated collection offers a potent mix of empowering anthems and soothing melodies, reflecting the spectrum of feelings expectant mothers might encounter. Think anthemic power ballads that mirror the strength you'll find within yourself, upbeat pop tunes to keep spirits high, and reflective tracks for quieter moments of contemplation. This isn't just a playlist; it's a sonic companion to guide you through this incredible chapter.

From driving beats to tender ballads, this playlist represents a diverse range of musical styles, guaranteeing something for every mood and preference. We've included tracks that capture the fierce determination and resilience needed during labor, as well as songs that celebrate the joy and wonder of new beginnings. Whether you're a seasoned music lover or simply looking for the perfect soundtrack to your labor experience, this playlist is guaranteed to resonate, providing a powerful soundtrack for one of life's most profound moments. We hope this curated selection not only enhances your birthing experience but also becomes a treasured memory long after the big day.

28 Best Songs for Labor & Delivery: Your Ultimate Playlist for a Calm Birth
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Believer Imagine Dragons Evolve 3B+
2. Look What You Made Me Do Taylor Swift reputation 1B+
3. Firework Katy Perry Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection 1B+
4. Wrecking Ball Miley Cyrus Bangerz (Deluxe Version) 1B+
5. Call Out My Name The Weekend 980M+
6. Pump It Black Eyed Peas Monkey Business 861M+
7. Patience Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction (Super Deluxe Edition) 801M+

1. Believer (Evolve - 2025)

Imagine Dragons' "Believer" a standout track from their 2017 album Evolve, resonates deeply with listeners. The song's raw emotion, stemming from lead singer Dan Reynolds' personal battles with ankylosing spondylitis and the pressures of fame, translates into a powerful anthem of resilience. Its catchy melody and anthemic chorus propelled "Believer" to significant chart success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving multi-platinum certifications worldwide. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its continued streaming success and its use in various media, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a testament to the transformative power of overcoming adversity.

Believer's raw power and determination are sure to inspire you during labor. If you're looking for more of Imagine Dragons' electrifying anthems, check out Top 30 Imagine Dragons Songs: Ultimate Playlist for Fans, where you'll find a playlist of their top 30 songs.
Believer - Imagine Dragons

2. Look What You Made Me Do

Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" the lead single from Reputation, marked a bold stylistic shift in 2017. Its darkly seductive sound, a departure from her previous country-pop leanings, instantly captivated audiences. The song's pointed lyrics, widely interpreted as a response to public feuds, fueled its viral success. The accompanying music video, a visually striking spectacle, further cemented its cultural impact, becoming an instant iconic moment in pop culture history. Its memorable bassline sample and defiant tone showcased Swift’s reclaiming of her narrative, transforming negative press into a powerful statement of self-possession. The song's chart performance and streaming numbers solidified its place as a defining moment in Swift's career.

If you find yourself feeling empowered and ready to take on the challenges of labor, "Look What You Made Me Do" may be the perfect anthem to get you through. To delve deeper into Taylor Swift's musical repertoire, be sure to read [Midnights: Ranking Taylor Swift's 12 Best Songs].
Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift

3. Firework

Katy Perry's "Firework" a dance-pop anthem from her 2010 album Teenage Dream, ignited charts worldwide and resonated deeply with listeners. Its uplifting lyrics, co-written by Perry with Ester Dean and Stargate, offer a message of self-empowerment and inner strength, encouraging individuals to embrace their potential. The song's inspirational message has transcended generations, providing comfort and motivation in diverse situations, from battling illness to navigating career changes. Its impact is evident in its numerous accolades, including a Video Music Award for Video of the Year, and its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal as a powerful and enduring anthem of hope.

While the empowering lyrics of "Firework" ignite a sense of celebration and triumph, it's not the only party anthem that deserves a spot on your labor playlist. Explore 25 Unforgettable Hits: The Best Songs of 2000 to 2010 for a vibrant collection of unforgettable hits that will bring the dance party to your delivery room.
Firework - Katy Perry

4. Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus - 2025)

Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball" is a powerful ballad that, surprisingly, can be a surprisingly effective choice for labor. While the lyrics explore heartbreak, the song's soaring vocals and building tempo can provide a cathartic release for the emotional intensity of childbirth. The raw emotion expressed might resonate with a mother's own powerful feelings, transforming pain into a driving force. Though the song's theme is heartbreak, the powerful vocals and building intensity can be used to focus the energy of labor. The pop ballad genre makes it accessible to a wide range of listeners. While not explicitly soothing, its driving rhythm and strong melody can act as a powerful distraction from discomfort, providing a focused point of attention during contractions. The song's emotional depth can help process the intense feelings associated with labor, potentially even fostering a sense of empowerment as the birthing process unfolds.

Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus

5. Call Out My Name (The Weekend - 2025)

While not showered with the same accolades as some other chart-toppers, The Weeknd's "Call Out My Name" resonates deeply with listeners for its raw emotion. This R&B ballad boasts a slow, deliberate tempo and a melancholic yet tender mood. The song's vulnerability, conveyed through lyrics like "I want you to stay," offers a sense of comfort and connection, potentially providing a soothing distraction during labor. The intimate and heartfelt nature of the vocals can create a peaceful atmosphere, helping to manage pain and anxiety. Although the lyrics explore heartbreak, the yearning and intense emotion expressed can paradoxically be a focus point for mothers, channeling their own powerful feelings. The repetitive and simple melody can also promote relaxation and a sense of calm.

Call Out My Name - The Weekend
  • Pump It
    6

    Pump It

    Black Eyed Peas

    2006

    Monkey Business

  • Patience
    7

    Patience

    Guns N' Roses

    1989

    Appetite For Destruction (Super Deluxe Edition)

  • High Hopes
    8

    High Hopes

    Panic! At The Disco

    2018

    Pray for the Wicked

  • HIGHEST IN THE ROOM
    9

    HIGHEST IN THE ROOM

    Travis Scott

    2019

    Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight

  • Stronger
    10

    Stronger

    Kelly Clarkson

    2011

    Stronger (Deluxe Version)

  • Wake Me Up
    11

    Wake Me Up

    Wham!

    1984

  • You Need To Calm Down
    12

    You Need To Calm Down

    Taylor Swift

    2019

    Lover

  • Breathin
    13

    Breathin

    Ariana Grande

    2018

  • The Edge of Glory
    14

    The Edge of Glory

    Lady Gaga

    2011

  • Survivor
    15

    Survivor

    Destiny's Child

    2001

    Survivor

  • 3AM
    16

    3AM

    Matchbox 20

    1996

  • That's Not My Name
    17

    That's Not My Name

    Ting Tings

    2007

  • The Light Is Coming
    18

    The Light Is Coming

    Ariana Grande

    2017

  • I Lived
    19

    I Lived

    One Republic

    2014

  • Run
    20

    Run

    AWOLNATION

    2011

  • You Can Do It
    21

    You Can Do It

    Ice Cube,Mack 10,Ms. Toi

    1993

    War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)

  • Love Drunk
    22

    Love Drunk

    BOYS LIKE GIRLS

    2009

  • Love It If We Made It
    23

    Love It If We Made It

    The 1975

    2018

    A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

  • Relax
    24

    Relax

    Frankie Goes To Hollywood

    1983

    Welcome To The Pleasuredome

  • On Hold
    25

    On Hold

    The xx

    2016

  • Cuts Like A Knife
    26

    Cuts Like A Knife

    Bryan Adams

    1981

  • About A Girl
    27

    About A Girl

    The Academy Is

    2007

  • Chrysalis
    28

    Chrysalis

    Empire Of The Sun

    2013