Caring for a newborn is never easy, but some age-old techniques for comforting babies are quite simple. Better yet, they only require tools moms already have.
Sharing these techniques is just one goal of a new program at Montefiore Health System, which brings bedside music therapy to mothers and their newborns. The program offers in-person sessions designed to help mothers relax and bond with their babies to the sounds of gentle live music and lullabies, while still in the hospital. By the end of a session, not only has mom become calmer, but she has also learned and practiced simple tools for soothing and bonding with her baby at home.
One example of this uses a special instrument called the ocean drum — a disk-like drum filled with small metal beads that’s tilted gently from side to side to create sounds like the waves of the ocean. In a session, the music therapist might play the ocean drum to help soothe a fussy baby, or to enhance a guided relaxation exercise for an anxious parent. While mothers are often fascinated by the calming effect this sound has on their babies, the most rewarding part is the realization that they can do this any time, anywhere — no ocean drum required. All it takes is a long, slow “shhhhhhhhh.”
[See: How to Promote Safe Sleep for Your Infant.]
Understanding the Power of “Shh”
As adults, we tend to use “shh” as a universal signal for “be quiet!” This is the meaning we’ve attached to it, but it’s important to remember that newborns have not yet learned such rules. Since babies don’t yet understand language, they’re responding only to the sound itself. Whether it comes from an ocean drum, a white noise machine or a mommy saying “shh,” the sound often has a soothing, comforting effect.
Why would this whooshing sound bring comfort to an infant? Many experts point to the womb, which is actually a pretty noisy place to be. Consider what babies hear in utero — the close-up sounds of their mother’s blood circulation, breathing and digestion, along with the muffled drone of noises in the outside environment. Babies are used to hearing many sound waves all at once, which is what we produce when we say “shh.” This form of white noise may help a newborn feel safe, protected and close to mom — just like in the womb.
Give Shush a Chance
Next time you need to calm a crying newborn, try taking a deep breath and making a long “shhhhhhhh” sound near the baby’s ear. Breathe when you need to, but you can continue this for a few minutes until you have the baby’s attention and start to see a decrease in agitation. As your baby becomes calm, you can soften your sound and may wish to even imagine the peaceful flow of ocean waves as a way to relax together.
Below are some other simple tools for soothing and connecting with babies through music and sound. Give them a try, or share them with a friend who has a baby on the way.
[See: The 11 Most Dangerous Places in Your Home for Babies and Small Kids.]
8 Easy Ways to Soothe and Connect With Your Baby
Music is an enjoyable activity for you and your baby to share. Try listening to music and singing to soothe and connect with your baby. Here are eight simple techniques to try:
— Sing what you see. Any time you’re with your baby, sing about what you’re doing or what you see around you. Make up your own tune, or sing to the tune of a song you know. This is a fun way to make your daily routine more enjoyable while connecting with your little one.
— Try a lullaby. Lullabies are slow, gentle songs that help calm your baby. Sing them slowly and softly to help your baby feel safe and soothed. Try to keep a steady rhythm while you sing, like you would if rocking your baby to sleep.
— Sing a playful song. During playtime, sing songs that are fun, cheerful and have silly words. This will get your baby’s attention and stimulate him or her. You can change between fast and slow as you sing, or add playful actions for your baby to see.
— Just hum. If you’re not quite ready to burst into song, try humming soft and low. Begin with some slow, deep breaths, which will help you feel more relaxed. Quietly hum on any note that feels right. Notice the vibration in your chest as you hum. If you hold your baby close, he or she will feel the vibration, as well. (You may want to check out the song ‘Hummingbird’ which you can stream or download for free here.)
— Soothe with looooong vowels. Calm your baby by singing long, smooth vowel sounds such as “ahhhhh” and “oooooo.” Singing in this way can help you gently release tension, too, like you would with a sigh.
— Stimulate with c-c-consonants. To stimulate your baby, sing short consonant sounds like “ba-ba-ba” or “ta-ta-ta.” Repeating these bouncy sounds can help your baby stay alert and awake.
— Talk the talk. Talk to your baby often, using real words and short sentences. This helps your baby with learning and bonding. Remember, a mother’s voice is music to her baby’s ears. Remember, a mother’s voice is music to her baby’s ears. (If you like the sounds of this, you may also enjoy “The Voice I Know” and “Talk the Talk.”)
— Listen together. Put on quiet, calming music. Listen closely and breathe deeply as you enjoy a quiet moment with your baby.
Free Online Resources for Parents and Babies
Listen for free.
— Quiet Time: Songs to Soothe and Bond With Baby is a collection of original songs and lullabies developed by music therapist Kristen Corey. Tracks 1 to 5 give parents and caregivers a playful way to engage and connect with babies and young children. Tracks 6 to 10 are gentle songs to help soothe babies and put them to sleep. We invite you to play this music to help your baby relax. You can sing along as a way to share quiet time with your baby.
Follow along.
— Song Lyrics Booklet. Download the full booklet of song lyrics for “Quiet Time Volume II.” Sing along, and enjoy special music time with your baby.
Read for a quick reminder.
— “Music for Moms” Tip Sheet. Download a two-page guide that provides simple tips for using music and sound to connect with your baby. The second page includes lyrics to three lullabies from “Quiet Time Volume II.”
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From Shushing to Singing: Reminding New Mothers of Their Power to Soothe originally appeared on usnews.com
