Loading...
Recommended Citation
Bombell E. “Music is considered my skin-to-skin with her”: Music therapy with parents and their extremely preterm infants in the NICU. Research podium presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Research podium presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Abstract
Background
There is an emerging body of literature focused on parent-infant bonding and parent identity within music therapy during a NICU stay, and limited research on the use of music therapy experiences with families admitted for extreme prematurity.Within the current literature music therapy is cited as an important tool for connection for families separated prematurely or traumatically at birth. Nursing literature also cites the importance of interventions that support caregiver coping and connection with their baby.
Purpose/Objective
This study aimed to identify the experiences of families admitted to the NICU for extreme prematurity and explore the role music therapy plays in their relationship with their infants.
Method
This study was a phenomenological study using audio recorded music therapy sessions and exit interviews at the time of discharge which were coded and analyzed for commonalities and themes. Two families participated in music therapy sessions and were followed throughout their NICU stay for extreme prematurity (approximately 3-4 months).
Results
Two themes emerged from the interviews and session data: making it through the journey , with subthemes emotional rollercoaster, ways of coping, and music as an escape, and redefining role as a parent,with subthemes, the NICU parent, moments of connection, and creating memories. Families in this study experienced music therapy during all stages of their NICU journey and felt that music was an important means of connection with their baby and a reliable tool in coping with their overwhelming medical experience.
Implications for Practice
For music therapists, the results of this study support the use of music therapy techniques to address parent/infant bonding and caregiver emotional support during a NICU admission for extreme prematurity. For nurses, this study provides insight about the parent/caregiver experience during extreme prematurity and the importance of non-medical interventions, developmentally sensitive treatment options, and family-centered care.
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-15-2023
“Music is considered my skin-to-skin with her”: Music therapy with parents and their extremely preterm infants in the NICU
Background
There is an emerging body of literature focused on parent-infant bonding and parent identity within music therapy during a NICU stay, and limited research on the use of music therapy experiences with families admitted for extreme prematurity.Within the current literature music therapy is cited as an important tool for connection for families separated prematurely or traumatically at birth. Nursing literature also cites the importance of interventions that support caregiver coping and connection with their baby.
Purpose/Objective
This study aimed to identify the experiences of families admitted to the NICU for extreme prematurity and explore the role music therapy plays in their relationship with their infants.
Method
This study was a phenomenological study using audio recorded music therapy sessions and exit interviews at the time of discharge which were coded and analyzed for commonalities and themes. Two families participated in music therapy sessions and were followed throughout their NICU stay for extreme prematurity (approximately 3-4 months).
Results
Two themes emerged from the interviews and session data: making it through the journey , with subthemes emotional rollercoaster, ways of coping, and music as an escape, and redefining role as a parent,with subthemes, the NICU parent, moments of connection, and creating memories. Families in this study experienced music therapy during all stages of their NICU journey and felt that music was an important means of connection with their baby and a reliable tool in coping with their overwhelming medical experience.
Implications for Practice
For music therapists, the results of this study support the use of music therapy techniques to address parent/infant bonding and caregiver emotional support during a NICU admission for extreme prematurity. For nurses, this study provides insight about the parent/caregiver experience during extreme prematurity and the importance of non-medical interventions, developmentally sensitive treatment options, and family-centered care.