Music during caesarean section
In this Cochrane review, the authors attempt to gain insight into the effects of music on mothers and infants during cesarean section.
First, the details.
- 1 study involving 76 women (64 women evaluated) who planned to have their babies delivered by caesarean section was identified.
- The study was of poor quality.
And, the results.
- Music was provided from the beginning of anesthesia to the end of surgery.
- The women’s heart rates were reduced by about 7 beats/minute.
- Birth satisfaction scores increased by 3.4 points on a 35-point scale when women listened to music.
- Respiration rates and anxiety were not affected.
- The study didn’t report infant outcomes.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The findings indicate that music during planned caesarean section under regional anesthesia may improve pulse rate and birth satisfaction score. However, the magnitude of these benefits is small.
Since writing this post 5 years ago, I have assisted many women in choosing music that they wanted to listen to before, during and after their C-section. Without exception, every woman said that they believed the music calmed them down as they were waiting for their surgery and created a mood of calm and peace that will forever color their memories of the experience.
Those who had experienced a previous C-section without music, said they will always choose to have music in the future.