Specific
elements of music have therapeutic qualities that may be beneficial to a growing
premature infant. Recorded music has a fixed meter and decibel level, which
cannot be adapted to meet the needs of a compromised infant the way live music
can. According to a study in the May 2013 issue of Pediatrics, “The Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs, Feeding, and Sleep in Premature Infants,”
(published online April 15) three different types of music therapy interventions
- live ocean disc whoosh sounds, gato box rhythms, and parent's sung lullabies
-- had a positive health effect on preemies. Researchers studied 272 infants in
11 hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and found that live music
provided by a certified music therapist can increase a premature infant’s
capacity to feed, sleep, and self-regulate, whereas noise can have a negative
impact on growth and development. Music therapy -- in particular, the use of
live, entrained (matched, in the moment with the infant's breathing rate) breath
and heart beat sounds -- as well as parent-preferred lullabies can enhance a
premature infant's vitals and provide opportunities for bonding. Lullabies,
especially the singing of 'songs of kin' (parent-selected – culturally relevant
songs) also eases the stress and anxiety of mothers and fathers, enhancing ease
and attachment through NICU stays. Study authors determine that music therapy
programs provide a valuable service to premature infants in the NICU. Parents
should be encouraged to sing to their babies, providing a familiar and
comforting voice, with a familiar theme, to help develop the emotional bond
between the premature infant and
parent.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care
pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical
specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children,
adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit
www.aap.org.