“Music can heal the wounds that medicine cannot touch.” Debasish MridhaThe NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is a medical unit that provides specialized care for premature or sick newborn babies. These babies often require intensive medical interventions and may spend days, weeks, or even months in the NICU.
Research has shown that music can have several benefits for both the infants and the parents in the NICU. Here are some ways in which music can help:
Reduce stress and pain: Studies have shown that music can help reduce stress and pain in premature infants. Infants who are exposed to music in the NICU have been found to have lower heart rates, better oxygen saturation levels, and reduced pain responses.
Promote sleep and relaxation: Playing calming music in the NICU can promote relaxation and help babies fall asleep. This can be especially helpful for premature babies who may have difficulty sleeping due to medical conditions or environmental factors.
Improve parent-infant bonding: Listening to music together can be a positive bonding experience for parents and their babies in the NICU. It can also help parents feel more relaxed and less stressed, which can benefit their overall mental health and well-being.
Create a more positive environment: Playing music in the NICU can create a more positive and calming environment for both the babies and the medical staff. This can help reduce the stress and anxiety that is often associated with the NICU experience.
Overall, music can be a powerful tool for healing and promoting health and well-being in the NICU. While further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of music in this setting, many hospitals and medical professionals have already begun incorporating music into their NICU care plans. MomsCo's easy button here for musicians. Pay it Forward with us, by helping us create an original collection playlist for our Moms to not only play while on Hospital Bedrest but also, to play to their babies when they have to leave them each evening.
