I found a really interesting blog today, which I’ll have to go back to and look over more thoroughly when I have the time! But just to kindle your interest (as it did mine!)…the focus of Pregnancy and Preemies blog is on “using music to heal and bond with your infant and to document the proven effects of music in these situations.”
Singing lullabies to your baby is one of the most natural things a mother does. However, sometimes, people tend to underestimate the power of simple things. In this case, the research is there: singing to your baby, both before and after birth, creates a bond that is the foundation of healthy relationships… The research documents that lullabies:
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Create a sonic bond of love and caring, even before birth
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Ensure that baby comes into world knowing mother’s voice and associating that with being loved and cared for
With preemies, this is even more critical.
Amazingly, when Mom sings to baby the effect is:
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Stabilized blood pressure
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Stabilized body temperature
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Stabilized pulse and heart rate
Resulting in:
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Less time in NICU
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Faster weight gain
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Healthier baby at discharge from NICU