Music Helps Preemie Survive

One of the latest tools to help save very premature babies is music.  Researchers from Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City studied several hospitals and premature infants.  They found live music, not the prerecorded stuff, helped slow their heartbeat, calm breathing, improve sucking abilities and aid sleep.  A University of Kansa professor said preemies are inundated with information after birth, like noise, light, and new people.  This causes stress that robs them of their energy and ability to focus on growing.  Her research uses someone playing the guitar for the babies.  As the babies progress, music with more complexity is used.  My wife sang to each of our four sons while in the womb.  I’d like to think the research shows babies probably benefit before birth also.