Music in the NICU

When I was in NYC last week speaking to a hospital OB/GYN Grand Rounds, there was some discussion of the various ways music can be used in the NICU. Much of the research that has benn done in this area comes from FSU in Tallahassee and it appears that individual speakers or music delivery into each isolette is the norm. The smaller and frailer the infant, the more sensitive their ears are apt to be so the volume level and type of music must be chosen on an individual basis and then the staff must observe the infant's immediate and long-term reaction very carefully for any sign of discomfort or pain. That's the last thing we want to subject our tiniest patients to.

We also talked about the musical pacifier that plays ten seconds of a lullaby when the least amount of pressure is exerted on the nipple. This motivates the infant to suck more and harder, thus enabling them to suck better and gain weight faster. Very ingenious!

Generally speaking, lullabies or the mother softly singing is best. Stay tuned for my new ebook on "Music with Preemies" which should be coming out in the next few weeks! Have a great week-end!

Dr. Cash Speaks to OB-GYN Staff in NYC

Today I had the great pleasure of speaking at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. The staff there was warm and welcoming to me and received the information on music with pregnancy, preemies and newborns enthusiastically! My topic was "The Importance of Music with Pregnancy, Preemies, and Newborns." The residents, nurses, doctors, and guests asked great questions and shared personal stories that greatly enhanced the hour. I talked a little more than I expected to about the work of Jayne Standley and her musical pacifier which plays music when a preemie sucks on it, thus reinforcing the baby's desire to suck and resulting in faster weight gain and faster discharge from the NICU.

I'll write more about this in the days to come. Please feel free to write in your questions!

The Best-laid Plans

If you read last night's post, you know that I am going to NYC today to give a presentation on music with pregnancy, preemies and newborns on Thursday. I was supposed to almost be there by now but I got a phone call early this morning saying that my flight was delayed! I will have been in the Louisville airport for over three hours by the time I get on the plane. I sure would rather have spent those three hours in bed!!

But, of course I have my work with me and so have done a little but mostly just enjoyed people-watching and sipping on Starbucks skinny latte.

While at the hospital where I'm speaking o Thursday, I'm hoping to see their NICU and talk to them about how they use music with their tiny babes. I know they are using lullabies with circumcisions. Any questions you'd like me to ask?

Alice

Off to NYC to reveal music with infants techniques

Just wanted to let you know one last time before I leave for a speaking engagement in NYC that while I am there I will have a few slots still available for consultations or meetings. I'll be speaking at Grand Rounds at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn on Thursday morning, April 5th at 9:00 a.m.
I know that I have quite a few readers in New York City so please don't hesitate to call me at 502-419-1698 if you'd like to meet!
On Tuesday night, April 3rd, I'll be attending an orchestra concert in Carnegie Hall. My sister, Catherine Hudnall will be conducting the Norcross High School Orchestra and many of us will be attending this wonderful concert!
My presentation at Lutheran Hospital is entitled "The Importance of Music with Pregnancy, Preemies, and Newborns." It is a review of studies in all of these areas over the last decade as well as my recommendations for the pregnant woman, obstetricians and pediatricians. If you have any interest in this topic, contact me immediately so that I can put you on my 2007-2008 calendar.
The "Lullabies for Mother-Baby Bonding" CD is still a top seller and I'm planning to start offering bulk discounts for hospitals, nurseries, and large families!
Thanks for being a faithful reader!