This book synthesizes and analyzes research on early vocal contact (EVC) for preterm infants, an early healthcare strategy aimed at reducing the long-term impact of neonatal hospitalization, minimizing negative impacts of premature birth, and promoting positive brain development. Chapters begin by examining research on the maternal voice and its unique and fundamental role in infant development during the fetal and neonatal period. The book discusses the rationale for EVC with preterm infants, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and the challenges for infants’ development. Subsequent chapters highlight various EVCs that are used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), including direct talking and singing to preterm infants. In addition, the book also presents and evaluates early family-centered therapies as well as paternal and other caregiver voice interventions. Topics featured in this book include: Early vocal contact and the language development of preterm infants. The maternal voice and its influence on the stability and the sleep of preterm infants. Parental singing as a form of early interactive contact with the preterm infant. Recorded or live music interventions in the bioecology of the NICU. The role of the music therapist to hospitalized infants. The Calming Cycle Theory and its implementation in preterm infants. Early Vocal Contact and Preterm Infant Brain Development is an essential reference for researchers, clinicians and related professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology, pediatrics, neuroscience, obstetrics and nursing.

Amy Robertson has taken her experience of starting a music therapy program from scratch at the largest admitting hospital in America and provided step-by-step instructions on how others can do the same.

Music therapy is an established health care and human services profession that is dedicated to the implementation of controlled research studies to determine the underlying mechanisms in music that are responsible for therapeutic change, as well as clinical research to direct and guide the work of the music therapist. This growing body of research has enabled the music therapy profession to establish itself as a viable treatment modality for children in many areas, such as neurological rehabilitation and the use of music with premature infants. This book, a result of a project sponsored by the American Music Therapy Association and the National Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences, highlights research and evidence-based practice methods that are being used in neonatal intensive care units, pediatric burn care, critical care and mechanical ventilation, neurological rehabilitation, chronic illness, procedural support, and surgical support.

This book grew out of the need to provide developmental services for premature infants after going home from the hospital. While many parent-infant music groups are available to promote bonding and development, the need to create and inclusion-based, comprehensive developmental program for children at risk for developmental delays became evident. The curriculum is structured to identify specific developmental skills that can be demonstrated, practiced, and mastered through music engagement. Although this program is rooted in the profession of music therapy, the resources in this curriculum can be implemented by early childhood educators or staff working in child care facilities, community groups, or hospitals.

Offers a comprehensive international collection of writings on music therapy with premature and newborn infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The book includes different approaches to research and clinical practice, based on interdisciplinary knowledge and current research. The purpose is to show the benefits of music therapy as a supportive intervention for hospitalized infants and their parents.