A pioneering music therapy programme has been inaugurated at the Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), designed to create a tranquil atmosphere for premature infants and their families. The initiative aims to alleviate stress and enhance the health outcomes of the most vulnerable patients in the facility.
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The therapy comes in the form of direct musical interaction, with a guitarist and vocalist serenading preterm infants who are surrounded by the beeping of machines and blinking monitors. The gentle melodies and soothing vocals are intended to provide a comforting auditory environment, an essential escape from the often overwhelming sounds prevalent in a NICU setting.
“The NICU is often a traumatic experience for families and their infants,” explained Ashley Richardson, assistant nurse manager of the NICU. “Music therapy plays a vital role in establishing a sense of calm not only for the babies but also for their families and the staff.” The approach supports emotional well-being in an environment that can be challenging for all involved.
Laura Cellini, a board-certified music therapist, is at the helm of the sessions. She devises the musical experience specifically to suit each infant’s individual needs, maintaining a close watch on their reactions to the sounds. This attentiveness allows her to modify the music as necessary, ensuring that it remains a source of comfort rather than overstimulation.
“Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that utilises music to tackle goals beyond just musical engagement,” Cellini commented. “Through listening to music, we can help stabilise a newborn’s heart rate, improve their oxygen levels, and facilitate a soothing state.” Notably, studies indicate that this therapy could potentially shorten the hospitalisation period for preterm infants by up to two weeks.
The introduction of the music therapy initiative was made possible through a generous contribution from Joey and Ryder Corleto, 14-year-old twins who themselves spent considerable time in the NICU. The twins decided to focus their bar and bat mitzvah gifts towards funding this meaningful project, expressing a desire to repay the support they received during their early lives.
Their mother, Melissa Corleto, recounted the emotional challenges faced during their NICU stay, a stark contrast to the lives her children lead today. “When they look at baby pictures from their time in the NICU, it’s difficult for them to comprehend that this was their start—at a mere 2.5 and 3.5 pounds,” she reflected. “As a family, we agreed that giving back to the NICU was a significant way to contribute.”
Jason Park, a father whose son, Logan, has spent over two months in the NICU, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the music therapy sessions. He noted a profound sense of comfort witnessing his son respond positively to the music. “The joy it brings to families like ours is immense, especially after being here for so long,” Park shared, admitting that he was sad when the session came to an end.
The feedback from both parents and staff about the programme has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting not just the therapeutic benefits for infants, but also the emotional solace it provides for families navigating the uncertainties of a NICU environment.
Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to fostering innovative therapies in critical care not only showcases the potential of music as a healing force but also embodies the spirit of community support that makes such initiatives possible. As this unique therapy finds its place in NICU care, hopes are high that it will contribute significantly to the recovery and well-being of premature infants and their families in the times ahead.