Research and policy
Research: 'When does the music begin?'
8 Jul 2010
The Music Therapy for Vulnerable Infants study was a quantitative and qualitative study undertaken at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, between 2002 and 2007. The multidisciplinary team used video review, discussion and a final analysis of behaviours of infant availability. Helen Shoemark PhD was a member of that team and has been doing research into using music and singing in neo-natal Intensive Care Units.
In a presentation at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Shoemark suggested ways in which her findings, around therapist response and markers of accumulated interplay in music therapy, can be used in attachment, self-mutual regulation and pre-verbal communication.
Shoemark discussed how babies born six, eight, even 12 weeks early can be calmed by their mother’s voice. Speaking musically, as Shoemark calls it, to newborn infants in a singsong way, while making eye contact, provides psychological and cognitive benefits. Those babies who are hearing their mother’s voice also feed better and don’t fuss and cry as much, meaning they burn fewer calories and are less likely to lose weight. Interestingly, a recording of the mother's voice does not have the same soothing effect as the actual mother’s voice and presence. Shoemark highlights humming by mothers as a great way to comfort newborn infants as it is not over stimulating.
The newborns in the study had their responses tested later. They were found to be much more responsive than those who did not receive the regular attention of a mother or carer speaking musically.
More information on Helen Shoemark PhD is on the Voices forum.
