Shamanic Drum for Supporting the Birthing Year

Shamanic Drum: A Supportive Tool for Birth

The process of giving birth is a profound and transformative experience. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of rituals and tools that can help support women during labour. One such tool is the shamanic drum, which has been used for centuries in various spiritual and healing practices. This blog explores how shamanic drumming can provide emotional and physical support during childbirth.

The Role of the Shamanic Drum

Shamanic drums are often used in spiritual practices to connect with the spirit world, facilitate healing, and induce altered states of consciousness. The steady beat of the drum creates a rhythmic sound that can have a calming and grounding effect. Here are some ways in which the shamanic drum can support the birthing process:

1. Creating a Safe Space

The sound of the drum can help create a sacred and safe environment for the birthing mother. The rhythmic beats can drown out distracting noises, allowing the mother to focus inward. This creates a sense of safety and comfort, essential for the labouring woman.

2. Inducing Relaxation

The repetitive nature of drumming can induce a meditative state, promoting relaxation. When a mother is relaxed, her body can respond more effectively to the demands of labour. The drum's rhythm can help slow the heart rate and breathing, which may alleviate tension and anxiety.

3. Enhancing Connection

Shamanic drumming can foster a deeper connection between the mother and her support team, including partners, doulas, or midwives. The shared experience of drumming can create a bond, enhancing emotional support during labour. This connection can be vital as the mother navigates the challenges of childbirth.

4. Encouraging Movement

The rhythm of the drum can be used for faster more musical beats to support movement, dance, which is beneficial during labour. Many women find that swaying, rocking, or dancing to the beat can help ease discomfort and facilitate the birthing process. This is great for helping to get the baby in a great position too. The drum also encourages a natural flow of energy, helping the mother to find her rhythm.

5. Facilitating Release

Labour can be an intense emotional experience. The shamanic drum can assist in the release of pent-up emotions, allowing the mother to express her feelings freely. This cathartic experience can lead to a more empowered birthing process.

6. Drumming Supports the Baby too!

   It will stabilise the baby's heart rate, helping them feel safe too. A heart beat that the mum is comfortable with will support their soul journey.

Integrating Shamanic Drumming into Birth Plans

For those interested in incorporating shamanic drumming into their birth experience, here are some suggestions:

1. Find a Drummer who knows the birth space and has experience of both shamanic drum and supporting birth.

Consider enlisting a skilled drummer familiar with shamanic practices and working intuitively. This person can provide live drumming during labour, responding to the mother’s needs and energy.

2. Create a Playlist

If live drumming is not feasible, compile a playlist of recorded shamanic drumming tracks. Ensure the beats are steady and rhythmic to maintain focus during labour. I asked a friend to record mine. He went to the woods and the recording was beautiful with the birds in the back ground.

3. Practice Beforehand

Familiarize yourself with the drumming sounds before labour. Practicing with the drum or listening to recordings can help the mother associate the sound with relaxation and safety. Ask your drummer to play different drums, wit different beaters, and show you different beats. Practicing helps so much. You will get to know the drum and it will become a familiar supportive sound.

4. Let your midwife know you will have shamanic drumming.

They will place this in your notes for the midwife to pick up when they are called to support your birth.

Conclusion

The shamanic drum serves as a powerful tool for supporting women during childbirth. Its rhythmic beats can create a safe environment, promote relaxation, enhance emotional connections, encourage movement, and facilitate emotional release. By integrating shamanic drumming into the birthing process, mothers can cultivate a more empowered and transformative experience. Whether through live drumming or recorded tracks, the drum can be a sacred companion on the journey of bringing new life into the world.

I offer this to clients. I have been working with drum through birth for 9 years at this point. I also now teach a certified training for professionals, Earth Path Birthkeeper Practitioner Training Check it out here!

Photo Image is a photograph of my client Debbie drumming in early labour, by her labyrinth we created to support her pregnancy, birth and postpartum.