George's Lullaby: A Case Study of the Use of Music Therapy to Support Parents and Their Infant on a Palliative Pathway

George's Lullaby: A Case Study of the Use of Music Therapy to Support Parents and Their Infant on a Palliative Pathway

Ormston K; Rose E; Gallagher K

Journal of Neonatal Nursing

2022

Infant; Intensive Care Units Neonatal; Music Therapy; Utilization; United Kingdom; In Infancy and Childhood; Deficiency; Parent-Infant Bonding; Pulmonary Surfactants

Having an infant diagnosed with a life-limiting condition is a stressful time for parents and has been shown to have an impact on parental mental health. Music Therapy, when provided by an HCPC registered Music Therapist with enhanced Neonatal training, can empower parents to share culturally based, personal music with their infant to assist with developmental care and create precious memories. These positive experiences are vital to hold in order to continue bonds after death and assist in processing grief. This case study presents a full term infant with surfactant deficiency (R192). Weekly Music Therapy was provided on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with parents and infant following the Rhythm Breath Lullaby: First Sounds approach. It was then used again at the end of the infant's life at the family home. Music Therapy provided a focus for the family while on the unit and supported family integrated developmental care of the infant. The relationship developed, a long with the music shared, then supported the family emotionally and physically as parent's held their baby at end of life. To our knowledge this is the first time Music Therapy has been provided on the NICU through to end of life at home with the same Music Therapist. Music Therapy on Neonatal Unit is uncommon in the UK but has potential to support infant comfort whilst supporting the sharing of parent identities. Music Therapy has the potential to provide a focus that enables parents, who have a heightened awareness of the proximity of loss, to interpret, play and comfort their infant.

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