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!
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