What are some important considerations of music for baby? How does using music in the prenatal stage bring the family together and create a deeper bond? How does participating in a prenatal music bonding program create a foundation for parenting and family relationships after birth?
Prenatal music provides the whole family a chance to get involved and bond with the unborn baby. In addition to the mother, fathers, siblings, and other family members can play instruments near the mother’s belly. They can also sing close to the mother’s belly while gently touching the belly. Participating in experiences like this can not only bring the family closer to the baby, but it can bring the family closer together as a whole. After birth, parents and other family members can continue to sing to the baby and quietly play instruments for the baby. Because of the prenatal bonding, the family will have built a strong foundation with the baby. The baby will likely recognize familiar voices after birth, be attuned to certain melodies, and will continue to bond with the family long after birth.
ReplyDeleteYes prenatal music is a great way to bring the whole family together and prepare for the baby. Babies love voices and what a great way to get to know their parents and siblings voices- through song. By establishing these rituals in pregnancy the family is already caring for the baby in utero. This establishes healthy behavior patterns and emotional development for the family as well as provides a good model for the sibilings as to what parents do to care for their young.
DeleteSome things to keep in mind when using music with baby are: 1.) Keep the music simple. Mother and family should be able to sing the song and it should be simple enough for baby to learn in the womb. 2.) Be aware of type of music and volume when using recorded music. Mother’s voice is the best and it is recommended for at least half of the bonding time. 3.) be aware of the amount of music baby is being exposed to being careful to not overstimulate. Spending time focusing on the baby can create a deeper bond not only for the mother, but also for the partner and siblings. Spending time singing to baby or creating a womb song for baby helps deepen the bond. Siblings can be active in creating a song for the baby and help sing the womb song to the baby. This can help siblings bond with baby before and after the birth. Participating in a prenatal music bonding program helps create a good foundation for parenting by preparing family and baby to handle the many changes they will be dealing with in the future. The womb song can help babies transition to life outside the womb in a more peaceful way and it gives the parents a tool to make them feel more confident. It allows parents and baby to communicate with one another.
ReplyDeleteGreat points! These are great things to consider
DeleteYes your top 3 considerations are so important! Always keep these in mind! Yes establishing helathy communication and good relationships will help them when times get tough after birth. Womb songs are amazing! Every baby in utero should have one. The look of knowing in a newborn's eyes when he hears he song on the outside for the first time is priceless. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your top three considerations, Melissa! These are so important!
DeleteAny music used around the baby in the womb should be an appropriate volume, simple meter and melody, pleasing to the mother, and used in moderation so as not to over-stimulate the baby. Most of the music used should be live with the mother's voice being the most prominent instrument. Having other family members sing to the baby can help stimulate a bond between them before birth and can help the baby become familiar with its other family members. Having the father talk to and sing to the baby is especially important to help the baby bond to the Father and be comforted by his voice after birth. A prenatal music program can give the parents some tools to use to help calm the baby after it is born (such as lullabies sung to baby in the womb), and give the family a space to come together and bond with the baby in the womb.
ReplyDeleteYes the prenatal music program does give the family the tools. it can be amazing. One of my clients sent me a picture of her 6 month old baby. Said she put him in his car seat and he started crying intensely which he doesn't normally do. A couple of choruses through his womb and he was sound asleep. She said it works every time. She said she's going to record a video of this and send it to me. :)
ReplyDeleteMusic as a tool can communicate emotion in special situations where words cannot be understood. Conversation between two or more parties where one does not possess the same linguistics as another can be very difficult. Communicating between parent (speech/language) and fetus (no speech/language) is a special situation that requires a common tool of communication. Music, with and without words, has the special ability to communicate emotion and intent in this situation. Exploring and communicating these emotions using music can help to nurture and develop emotional connections between family members. In addition, music can be used in this way prenatally and after birth in very similar ways. Music can be used as a medium of communication to explore and deepen familial connections.
ReplyDeleteYes music is a powerful tool that brings the family unit together. Although baby cannot respond with speech, the baby can respond to speech and song in utero with movement and kicks. So using words in song is important and valid. And also it exposes baby to its native language. Research has shown that neural networks for language learning are formed in the womb. Even without words , love, emotion, and positive intention can be communicated to baby through music and this is what is most important for baby to know- that he/she is loved and wanted.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the number one consideration is simplicity. It is important to keep the music simple and pleasing to the baby. The music should have a simple meter that mother, father, and baby can follow, such as 3/4 and 4/4 (most of the songs in the Love Notes program). The melody should be simple, like the popular folk songs in the Love Notes program. The mother will feel more comfortable singing and more confident, the simpler the song is. The baby will also relate to this and feel the mother's confidence. A song that is simple and familiar is a source of comfort. That should be the case for both mother and baby. The song should be sung in the mother's voice, as that is the greatest bonding tool for mother and baby. The words also have meaning and power. "Mommy loves you, Daddy loves you". How comforting for the unborn child to feel that sense of love through music, even before he/she is born. The volume and tempo are also considerations. The music shouldn't be too loud and the tempo shouldn't be too fast.
ReplyDeleteMusic in the prenatal stage has the potential to create an everlasting bond between parents and baby. I already spoke to that sense of love above, but there are others. The mother touching and gently stroking her belly and transmitting love through touch is a powerful bonding experience. Coupled with music, those emotions are stronger. Anything the mother is feeling will be transmitted to the baby. If the mother feels safe and secure, the baby feels safe and secure. It is wonderful that the Love Notes exercises include both parents. I think that dad or significant other should have a major role in prenatal music as well, perhaps singing to the baby with the mother or touching the mother's abdomen while the mother sings. This will create a bond between the unborn child and the other parent.
Participating in a prenatal program helps for the foundation of parenting in many ways. The relationship is just beginning, and in some ways, the foundation is the most important part. By creating womb songs, these feels of comfort, security, and love can be the basis of parenting and transmitted to the child even after he/she is born.
Dorian Campbell
Yes simple songs that are short, predictable, and communicate love are the best to faciliate the bonding experience between parents and child. Use of mother's voice is so important, and use of relaxation is also important. When mother is relaxed, baby is relaxed. Singing, bonding, and practicing relaxation techqniues during pregnancy will help prepare baby and mother for the upcoming birth experience and for the post partum period as well.
ReplyDeleteThings to consider 1) keep it simple as lullabies are pretty short with a simple vocal range. Using a 5 note range similar to what elementary kids would use would be appropriate for them. 2) they do not like jazz, opera, or hard rock something to communicate with parents if this is their preferred style as it might agitate the baby. 3) moms voice is preferred to all but dad and family members can also sing directly to the baby near her stomach. They are able to make out the different voices and will feel the sense of love they are evoking. The music will help to create a bond as it gives the family a means to communicate with the baby and the baby feels that sense of love and acceptance so after they are born they gravitate to those songs and voices as safe. Prenatal programs provide parents with specific songs that are geared toward the baby and promote bonding, reduce anxiety, and allow for communication with the baby and family.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I did not see in reading is what they actually include in a womb song. When you write womb songs what do they include?
Yes Heather these are all important considerations. As for Womb Songs- they should be short in length- about 1 min, be easy to remember, and communicate words of love, safety, and being wanted. Mothers voice or voice with simple guitar or keyboard accompaniment is best. No percussive, loud, or sharp sounds that might startle baby. The Womb Song should be sung daily to baby prenatally, shortly after birth and in the post partum time. Womb Songs are an essential part of the Sound Birthing Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Nightly Practice sessions. If you are interested in preparing your clients for the birth experience see the website at www.soundbirthingmusic.com for more information on Sound Birthing MTACB blended learning trainings and Creative Arts Birthing workshops.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to consider that loud music can be uncomfortable for baby, as well as music that is unpredictable or sporadic. It's important to remember BPM and tempo . keeping them within safe ranges so baby doesn't entrain to an unhealthy heart or repertory rate. It's important to consider the message behind the songs used, as the unborn child can sense emotion and meaning, so we don't want use songs that might have stressful or negative messages/undertones.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a wonderful way to bring the family together and create a deeper bond. A big reason for this is that the baby's hearing develops early and he/she can recognize and respond to each family member through their unique voice. Adding lyrics/melody/song to this provides a wonderful vehicle for communicating powerful emotions and deep thoughts, helping to memorize and recognize familiar patterns and tones, and creating playful games to interact with the baby before we can see him/her.
Participating in a prenatal music bonding program helps to create a foundation for parenting and the relationships after birth because it helps mothers and fathers get comfortable with communicating with their baby early on. It gives them more time to practice being parents and to nurture their budding relationship with their child. It provides ways of getting to know their unique baby's personality and helps them tune in and listen deeply to how their child is communicating nonverbally, which can be very helpful later on. Further, it provides ways for the parents to connect with one another, alleviating stress and working through difficulties through music (which provides a safe container and useful, concrete tools) so they can weather this big change as a team, bringing them closer together and strengthening their bond as a couple.
We must be careful with our music choices and offer music that baby is ready for. Yes babies sense our emotions and music is the perfect vehicle to communicate our love and acceptance. Babies need to know that they are wanted and loved. By communicating these words verbally and through music they parent and child are beginning to form a lasting bond which is the foundation of their relationship.
ReplyDeleteParticipating in prenatal music bonding can help parents, siblings, or extended family prepare for a new baby. The baby can feel the love, care and attention being sent from the family. This sense of wantedness will help baby have strong self esteem and regulate his/her emotions once born. The baby will also benefit from hearing speech and learning loved ones voices that will be present after birth. Research has proved that babies learn voices and intonation and calm when exposed to familiar stimuli after birth.
ReplyDeletePrenatal music bonding experiences are also very beneficial for baby's family. Mom and Dad will have an opportunity to work through feelings or potential problems when working as partners. They will also be able to love and support one another as "practice" for once baby is earthside. Siblings can be involved to ease the transition of a new family member.
We must consider what kind of music is used to best serve baby. Soft volume, slow or medium tempo, and regularity should be established. The melody should be simple and the primary voice should be mom's. However, other voices can join mom and establish connections with baby! Womb songs should be short and easy for mom to sing. They should also convey an appropriate message of love, safety, and hope.
That is a great reminder that the music can help the baby regulate their emotions once they are born! That is a great selling point for getting families to participate in a prenatal music bonding program.
DeleteYes I love also the idea that prenatal music therapy allows parents to practice supporting each other because they will need to do this for each other a lot once the baby is born. :)
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ReplyDeleteWhen engaging in music when pregnant, some considerations for the baby should include: the tempo (the best tempo is around the resting state of mother's heart rate), the dynamic level (not too loud), the proximity (no headphones on pregnant belly, open air in the same room is fine, or music directed towards the pregnant belly), meter (3/4 or 4/4), the form (repetitive and simple), the length (not too long), the lyrics (positive, uplifting, and welcoming messages) and the instrumentation (mother's singing voice is best, followed by family member's voices, followed by simple instrumentation).
Music is a simple but powerful way to bring the family together and create a deeper bond. When writing a womb song, for example, the parents can work together to create the lyrics to communicate their love for their unborn baby. If there are older siblings, they can be included in this process by asking for their input, and encouraged to sing this song to the baby. One of the readings suggested the sibling(s) write their own womb song for the baby, which is a beautiful idea to create a sense of welcoming anticipation. Many prenatal memories in the readings included a feeling of antagonism between the siblings, and using music can help prevent these feelings, or dissipate these feelings. Singing to the unborn baby as a family, or individually, repeatedly throughout the pregnancy will help continually reinforce the feelings of love and anticipation until the baby is born. After the baby is born, singing can be continued to reinforce the loving relationship that started in the womb.
Participation in a prenatal music bonding program can help families use their voices to communicate their love and bond with their baby before and after birth. Many people feel that creating music is not accessible to them, because they are not a trained singer or instrumentalist. This participation in a prenatal music bonding program can help families understand and utilize their unique instruments - their voices - and make it easy and accessible. The focus on communication, especially communicating love and acceptance, will help parents better communicate. This will in turn help them better parent, and will also help them better communicate with their children throughout life.
Yes, yes, yes regarding music for baby. :) I love to including older siblings in the womb song and bonding experiences whenever possible. Yes I find that even though people who are fearful or singing or those who dislike their voice gain confidence in knowing that their baby wants to hear them. :) Yes and they gain confidence and becoming stronger parents through this process.
DeleteImportant considerations for music for the baby include what stage of development are they in, in what form is the music and what register. Music, on all levels, benefits the community. Family is a small community and childbirth is a significant family life event. Music possesses the power to unite, to calm and to help the individuals process and record their experience. Music at a prenatal stage is pro-active in preparing the family for the shift in family life, it is vital to the development of the fetus. Music, therefore, is an effective, unifying force for family and child. It helps family get to know and relate to the child even before it is born. This bonding and creating of comfortability can lessen the stress of change proceeding the birth of the child. It offers a firmer foundation from which the family can build their new addition. The family and child already feel a sense of unity and togetherness, thus giving promise to having a harmonious transition period and boosting the development of a bond that will last for life!
ReplyDeleteChristine that is an important observation- a family is a small community. Yes prenatal music therapy is proactive and preventative. The baby in utero must know that it is wanted and loved in order to thrive. Also music allows us to stimulate language and cognitive development in a very gentle and natural way that will benefit the child later in development. But perhaps the most important function of the music during this development stage is the foundation of the bond. Well said!
DeleteFor Baby, we want to consider musical elements such as tempo, style, rhythm, dynamic level, proximity, timbre, pitch, vibration level, frequency, using live music at least 50% of the time, and favoring the mother's voice but incorporating other family members' voices, too.
ReplyDeleteMusic has the power to bring communities together - cultures, countries, families, churches, etc. When we make music together, we are connected and united in the music. Of course, music for uniting families has perhaps the greatest potential because we are bound through the closest love and they share a home! Singing together with hearts full of love, joy, and appreciation for every member in the family (parents and children born and unborn) will contribute to a family's deep bond.
Participating in a prenatal music bonding program is a beautiful beginning to a lifetime of caring and comfort, giving healthy attention to your children, prioritizing your family relationships, establishing a routine for loving musical moments with your baby and whole family, and creating a home of peace and welcome where everyone is cherished! Parenting and sibling relationships will peacefully continue in the same way outside the womb because you've already been united in music for months.
Yes we are connect and united in music. This is one of the most important functions of music therapy in the prenatal stage as it helps us to establish the connection. :)
ReplyDeleteSome considerations with prenatal music are: first to be careful of the loudness and intensity, and second that since it can be remembered after birth, so it is an opportunity to be intentional and a means of connecting not only mother and infant, but the entire family. It's a chance for reflection on family values and bonding. It does this through the lyrics whether self-written or chosen, the science behind the unifying nature of singing together, and the organized process of choosing to attach and bond with someone who has been invited but is not yet present in the family circle.
ReplyDeleteYes we must be intentional. I love that you mentioned family values because this is the perfect opportunity to explore and clarify and express musically and verbally what it means to be a family. This is excellent preparation for couples expecting their first child as well as those who already have other children. :)
DeletePrenatal music program can provides the whole family great chance to get involved and bond with the unborn baby, also it can bring the whole family together and preparing for the baby. Bring awareness. The music, as a tool or bridge will help to create a bond as it gives the family a means to communicate with the baby and the baby, in that case, feel that sense of love and acceptance.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned before, I am already, working in a last couple a years through different simple musical activities singing, playing instruments, dancing, walking meditation in silence, hammock swinging with singing and music, using transparent scarf's to "paint" the music/voice.... with mothers and babies from 0 to crawling, and the results are beautiful, and very similar with prenatal approach. The main goal is communication, learning and bonding process through music. I can t imagine how it would be that we start earlier :). But we will in the future.
So as I can see I can use elements from this program as well: keep it simple, use repetition, predictability, be aware of type of music and the volume when using recorded music. But still, I think, mother voice is the main instrument for me so we should have to encourage mothers to sing and to start sing from the beginning of her pregnancy.
Speaking about womb song and some other intervention that I want to involved in my future prenatal musical program I would love to ask you a few questions:
1. Do we as a music therapist helping mothers and fathers to make, compose womb song, also do we helped them with lyrics? What do you suggest ...do we have to start to make it from the first class? Did everybody in the group should have to sing it during the class, separately on every class/ session? It is not clear enough to me
2. Is it OK to have some, welcome song for the group?
3. When we have group do we must have anamnestic notes from all participants or? Do we need to do some kind of inquiry?
4. Can mothers invite their other family members to the class...kids, mothers, beside fathers ;)?
5. Do you suggest an integration of theory (with handouts) and practice during the class or?
6. What do you think about Angel ball bell necklace?
7. When we choosing the music for the class is that our own choice or we should have ask mother to bring it?
Thank you,
Nana
For womb songs I usually choose an individual approach. I start with a piece of music I use for an imagery experience and ask the parents to imagine holding the child in their arms for the very first time. Then when the music is over is have them each write down thoughts, feelings, sensations they experience. We take the words that are common and meaningful among both partners and those are the words we use to create the text of the womb song. Then we select the melody. We use either the melody of the imagery music, a melody of a familiar song, or we create a new melody together. We record it using a soft accompaniment. Each family should have their own womb song because each family bonding experience is unique. However if you wanted to do this experience as a group you could and make one entire group womb song. Yes a welcome song for the group would be lovely. I am not sure what you mean in question 3. Who the mother invites to the class would be up to you. I would suggest that you have a group just for parents and perhaps one session where siblings attend. It is important for the mother to focus on the baby she is carrying in the womb for this experience. Yes I think it is important for the parents to understand theory so I would create handouts using language they will understand. I am not sure what you mean about Angel ball bell necklace. You could do a questionnaire when your group members register prior to the first group about music preferences and favorite family songs. This will help guide you in choosing music that is important to them and most likely familiar to the babies.
DeleteWith my 3 question i meant, before we start the group, what kind of information about pregnancy do we need to know (beside music preferences and favorite family songs)?
DeleteAngel bells or that is also named “Bola” or “Harmony Ball”
there is a link https://www.harmonyball.net.au/benefits-of-wearing-a-harmony-ball-during-pregnancy-and-after-ezp-26.html
Also from your huge experience, can you give us/me short example for the activities (in which order) that we can use during 4,5 week course. It will be very helpfull for the beginners like me :). Just short tips? Thank you, Nana
Hi Nana: That would be up to you about how much information you want to collect. It also depends on the focus of your program- whether it has a more therapeutic or educational process. I would collect whatever info you feel it is necessary to work effectively with your clients. I love the idea of the Harmony ball! Thank you for sharing about that! What a great gift to give someone who is expecting. :) To answer your question about a short 4-5 week course- Again I would make sure the experiences matched the focus of the process whether educational or therapeutic which may include deeper processing and healing. For a general educational bonding program I would create an opening an closing song to be sung to the babies in utero each session. You could have a certain focus for each session such as creating the womb song, singing songs of kin, lullabies, transition songs for after birth, and incorporating gentle instruments in the musical experience. Your goals should focus on enhancing communication between mother and baby and family and baby if family members also participate. Most importantly the mothers voice should be the focus as that is what the baby knows best. Singing the womb song daily in bonding and preparing for birth is probably the best the family can do in bonding and preparing for birth and will serve them well after baby is born. Singing the womb song will calm mother and baby after birth and help everyone during times of stress.
DeleteSome important considerations for music for the baby include tempo, dynamics, volume, instrumentation, meter, and style. The ideal tempo would be one that matches the resting heart rate of the mother so around 70 BPM. Also choosing music that is not too abrasive and loud for the unborn child is important. Most studies have shown that the mothers voice is the most desired instrument for the unborn child. Also incorporating string instruments and drums can be another great tool for increasing bonding. Babies also do not enjoy loud rock music and prefer classical music or music that is relaxing and soothing.
ReplyDeleteSince hearing is one of the first senses that develops in the womb music can be the best tool for prenatal bonding. Parents can use lullabies and songs as the first introduction to language and communication. One way to create a deeper bond with your unborn child would be by writing a womb song. This song can be sung to your unborn child daily, during pregnancy, and after the baby has entered the world. Reinforcing and surrounding your unborn child with feelings of love will help establish a bond before the baby is born.
Participating in a prenatal bonding program can create a great foundation for parenting. The family is actively practicing listening to the unborn child, which is a great tool that should be continued after birth. This relationship can help parents practice parenting before the baby is even born. A prenatal program can also help ease some insecurities or anxieties the family is having prior to the birth. The baby will enter the world knowing that he/she is loved.
The mother's heatbeat is the one constant the baby hears from the moment it senses sound. Our music for baby should be gentle and regular like the mother's heartbeat. This communicates love and safety for the baby. We must baby where he/she is at developmentally in the womb and we must consider baby's music needs each time during family bonding and music making. Thanks Kailee for reminding us about that. :) MD
DeleteSome important considerations of music for the baby re that the music should not be overstimulating or too loud. We have read that rock music is not necessarily good or opera. Music should be pleasing to the mother. With womb songs in particular, the music should be simple for the baby and for the mother and family members to learn so they can sing with confidence. The mother's voice in particular is very important for the baby to hear. Any music that is sung with loving messages that are conveyed with utmost sincerity and deep love from the family are all key. Music used in the prenatal stage brings the family together and creates a deeper bond because the baby learns who the different family members are through the sounds of their voices which helps the baby connect. Also, family members bond emotionally and connect through music making and singing together. It helps the family consciously prepare for the baby and can help siblings with feelings of jealousy. Participating in a prenatal music bonding program creates a foundation for parenting and the relationships after birth because womb songs in particular give parents a tool to use after birth to help soothe the baby and give him or her that sense of safety, security and familiarity that he or she craves when out of the womb. It also fosters important skills like emotional expression and communication which are key components to healthy relationships between parents and children. Good communication, help and bonding can only further aid in the parenting process as well.
ReplyDeleteYes Jillian! Gentle music that communicates love sung by family members voices are what is best for baby (especially the mother's voice). You mentioned all of the important considerations. It is important for us as to educate others as to what baby's musical needs are in utero as often people believe that the baby is "protected" from sound in the womb. We know now that is simply not true and that baby can be harmed by sound that it cannot escape and it can also be frightening for baby. The most important part of a prenatal music bonding program is the foundation it creates for parenting and family relationships which will last a lifetime and will affect future generations. :)
DeleteWhen working with pre-natal mothers there are many factors to consider for the well-being of both mother and baby. Firstly, it’s so important that the music is kept very simple for the baby – as with lullabies, music that is repetitive, step-wise in notation and very simple, is going to be most effective. It’s also important that music is soothing, rather than over-stimulating for the baby, so the voice or recorded stringed music is preferred and loud, rock or operatic music is not recommended. It is never advised to place headphones directly on to the stomach (although there is some conflicting research about this in the reading!). Simple music is always preferred and the mother’s voice should be used at least 50% of the time when using music pre-natally. Simple music makes it easier not only for the baby to learn in the womb, but for mother and family members to sing as well.
ReplyDeleteUsing music pre-natally means that both mother and other family members have an opportunity to more deeply engage and connect with her baby, in a way that no other activity allows. Not only does it provide an opportunity for family members to connect with baby, but they are learning a very effective tool that can be transferred to post-natal care e.g. using familiar music for calming. It also provides an opportunity for the mother and other family members to bring to the surface and work through any emotions/fears etc. about the upcoming birth, in a non-confronting way. Having family members involved also means that baby has the opportunity to learn and become familiar with the voices of other family members, therefore making the transition to ‘earth-side’, much easier. Creating a womb song together as a familiar is another great way to really enhance the bonding experience and is a really practical tool for when baby comes and also allows an opportunity for the family to become really involved. I imagine that this is something that would really help siblings transition to their new role too!
Simple soothing music is best for baby and mother and creates a ritual for calming after birth as well. Yes!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to consider the volume and type of music baby is exposed to. Baby can become overstimulated if music is too loud. We must always remember to never use headphones or speakers directly on the belly, we should use surround sound so that it can be a shared experience between mother and baby and the noise doesn’t get to a dangerous level for baby. We should keep the tempo at a slow steady rate, preferably mother’s resting heart rate.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a great avenue for bonding with baby. It can be an easier “in” than talking to your belly for some. I know I feel silly sometimes talking to my belly so singing felt like a more natural place to start our bonding. It is also a great “in” for the rest of the family. Families can bond with baby in a special way through music and let baby know that they are loved and wanted, which is so important for baby to feel prenatally. Baby can also get used to all of the families’ voices so they are familiar to baby once they are born.
When participating in a prenatal music bonding program, the relationship with the baby is so important to focus time and attention on. But that’s not the only thing that ends up benefitting. The relationship between mom and dad can strengthen too by experiencing together. It can be easy for the partner not having the baby to feel left out because they don’t get to feel baby in the same way. But participating in a bonding program can help include both partners together. All of this bonding ultimately benefits baby, knowing they are loved and wanted by both parents. This will strengthen the bond after baby is born as well. All of the work that was done prenatally will only benefit the child, songs that were used will be familiar and comforting for baby and voices will be familiar and comforting.
My perspective on the whole notion of "pre-natal music therapy" is informed by the reality of having started this course when my wife was pregnant, having a complication during pregnancy, and having a daughter , now healthy, born over a month prematurely. Music was such a part of the whole process it's almost as if I wished I had videoed taped everything so it could be used int this course in the future. I and my wife have been singing and playing to Nua since we first found out Misha was pregnant. Which was incidentally in July, two days after a course Mary and I took together in Manhattan ended. The songs I sang, the playlists we played to Nua in the womb, bonded us in a way that pure verbal interaction couldn't of. Hell, this music was played during the complicated birth (our birthing team was awesome and let us do what ever we wanted) and is continually played to Nua when she needs a reminder of safety. It's fascinating to watch her anxiety melt away when she hears like "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star, which she has been listening to since she was a fetus. I watched her turn her head and recognize my singing voice when she was three minutes old......Everyone keeps commenting that Nua is the most expressive baby they've ever heard ha,ha. She not a quiet child. There is a melodic arc to all of her verbal expressiveness that I can't help think is informed by the amount of music that was used during the pregnancy to bond us as a family. At this point I honestly just want other families to have access to such a great bonding experience. I feel like I lucked out by getting the opportunity to take this course when I did and am excited by the reality that I now have the chance to to pay it forward
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely resonating with a lot of your posts, Justin. Our son responded so well to the music after his cesarean that I felt SO blessed to have had Mary and Summer there to make sure we brought our music into the OR. The medical team and the room had such a changed vibe of peace and happiness when we turned on our music. Prior to my husband arriving with the speaker and playlist, it felt very cold and "business as usual" while I was alone and waiting. That all changed when our music was turned on. We connected with everyone in the room! It was amazing.
DeleteYes, yes, yes Justin- you will pay it forward! And Kate you will as well. You have been forever changed by experiencing the music in your relationships in this context. It would be impossible to keep that miracle quiet and not want to share it with others. With music we have the power to change how families and bond before and and after birth and inevitably have an impact on the world.
DeleteImportant considerations of music for the baby are family background/ethnicity, songs that have simple melodies that moms could make up words to sing to baby, preferred music of the mother so that her positive feelings transfer to the baby, as well as song that mom can use touch with and rub her belly while she is singing (or while the partner is singing). Music that is too loud or jarring could overstimulate the baby.
ReplyDeleteUsing music prenatally is a wonderful way to bring the family together because it provides the couple with an activity that they can do together prior to the birth to connect with their baby. They can sing the baby their favorite songs or play them over the surround sound and sing along and dance. Further, the prenatal bonding helps to instill within the baby a sense of security and love and being wanted, which will also help the baby bond after birth. A baby who is born into this type of security, feeling loved and secure, will grow into a healthy, happy individual. An additional benefit to this prenatal bonding with music is that if the baby is born via cesarean, the music can be used calm the baby once it is delivered. This helped connect us to our son as he didn't arrive as hoped and the meds can make mama and baby groggy. I felt that the connection we had via the music he had heard prenatally made his transition earthside much more gentle. :)
Love the simple melodies that moms make up words to. Those are often the best! My husband used to say when our kids were little- "You have a song for everything!" It always worked so why not right? And yes I'm sure the music helped the transition for both of you. :)
DeleteWhat are some important considerations of music for baby?
ReplyDeleteHow does using music in the prenatal stage bring the family together and create a deeper bond?
How does participating in a prenatal music bonding program create a foundation for parenting and family relationships after birth?
The music should be something that the mother enjoys yet is not too overstimulating or loud.
Using prenatal music can be structured as a family activity to bring in all members. And the bond between mother and baby is particularly strengthened when the mother sings to the child since her voice is the most important of all the voices the prenate can hear. The whole family can communicate to the child that they are wanted and help the baby have good feelings about coming into the world. Then the music that the child was eposed to in utero, can be used during birth or after birth to help soothe the child. Having a happy baby helps the family adjust to the rigors of parenthood! Or at least having a method for calming the child helps the parents feel empowered in the face of so many new responsibilites.
Yes music can bring the whole family together and share feelings and open communication. Yes calm mama, calm baby! And calm baby, calm mama! and rest of the family
DeleteWhat are some important considerations of music for baby?
ReplyDeleteSpecial care should be taken to be sure the music is not over-stimulating, heavy bass (such as rock/techno/etc.)
How does using music in the prenatal stage bring the family together and create a deeper bond?
I think that understanding that the baby is aware and alert in utero, ultimately makes the family want to be more engaged and involved in the pregnancy and development of the baby. Creating a relationship with baby allows the couple to connect with their future, and work towards bringing their baby into their every day lives.
How does participating in a prenatal music bonding program create a foundation for parenting and family relationships after birth?
As stated in on of the texts, post-natal bonding is simply a continuation of prenatal bonding. With that in mind, any efforts to bond prenatally, whether musically or non-musically, serve to create a strong foundation for post-natal bonding.
Yes the awareness is so important and music can be so helpful in establishing the foundation. Such a simple tool you can use any time after birth to help mama and baby calm. They must be in sync for the breastfeeding rhythm to develop. Music can help with that too!
DeleteImportant considerations for music used with baby would include something that mom can connect to... It should not be too loud and preferably slow and less complicated.
ReplyDeleteI think that music can open the door for honest communication within a family. What are the thoughts/feelings around bringing a new life into their family? What were there experiences like growing up? What things do they want to hold onto from childhood and what things do they want to change?
I think it may help get everyone on the same page, which will make for a smoother transition from prenatal to postnatal. Also, providing a calm nurturing environment for the family and baby will hopefully yield an easier delivery and after-effects for the baby's well-being.
Yes Mom should connect with the music so she can relax and it will have positive effects on mom and baby bonding. :) Yes music can do all of these things, it is amazing how simple and effective it is.
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