In the summer of 2007 I was approached by Bev and Pete (a.k.a MrsPirate and PiratePete) to provide a mix to accompany the birth of their first child, Isla. Initially I was thrown into a panic; having never attended a birth before (apart from my own, of course) I had no idea what they would want to hear during that incredibly emotional time; I knew it had to be long as first births have a reputation for being drawn out affairs and I knew I didn’t want to stick to a tempo as, after a while that would just get annoying. They’d given me a free reign on music selection, trusting me implicitly so it was all up to me. So, I decided to put something together that would try and calm, relax, entertain, but also not try dominate the proceedings. I didn’t want to have too much vocal stuff in there as I presumed there would be enough chatter/instruction/shouting/swearing going on without my mix adding to it. As fate would have it, due to the frenetic nature of a birth and some technical problems it wasn’t used but has gone to keep Isla (and Bev and Pete) music entertained.
Personally I use it, after a very good and heavy night, to drift off to sleep to 
Photo of Isla, courtesy of the Pirates.
Trust me, it really is great. It’s one of Mach V’s best mixes IMO.
Its a great mix and although not used at Islas birth (along with all the essential oils, and other paraphernalia) it finds its way onto the stereo regularly.
PS nice blog Mach
liking the site marky
and looking forward to downloading these mixes that have passed me by. nice one 
loving this mix…
I remember doing a similar thing for our lass for when Alex was born 6 years ago. Typically for me, when the time came to go to the hospital, I couldn’t find the damn disc and grabbed Far from the Maddening Crowd instead which proved to be a perfect substitute.
Excellent stuff Mach
what a lovely idea! would love to listen to it – am I missing something though – can’t see a link to download it?…
doh. it’s in the mix archive. ignore me! x
Kath, go over to the “mix archive” tab and you’ll find it there with the track listing.
this is the link to the mix archive : http://machv.co.uk/?page_id=10
This mix means so much to me, I was delighted when Marky agreed to do it for me, I know it was a tall order and a difficult challenge for him but he came through with gold stars on! It’s fabulous. I listened to it many times in my late pregnancy and Isla now adores it as well. I wonder if she heard it the womb and some how recognises it. Thank you Marky it will always be treasured.
When my daughter was born, shortly before her actual arrival, I started up “Mingus Ah Um” and “Goodbye Porkpie Hat” was playing as she made her appearance. Her mom and I remember, but she does not. Whenever we hear that album we all smile. I’m sure your mix will have similar memories for the happy family. Going to download it now …
thanks for all the kind words. I think i need to make more birth inspired ambientish mixes.
Sounds like a niche to me Mark
roll up you pregnant ladies and let me play you some tunes.