Music therapy for preterm infants and their parents during NICU stay and beyond: current recommendations for clinical practice in Poland

Objective: It is estimated that twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs in 10–15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. One of the fetuses takes on the role of donor and the other of recipient. The treatment administered involves serial amnioreduction and laser photocoagulation of the communicating blood vessels. After TTTS, children may have deficiencies in psychomotor functioning, in particular in cognitive functions, expressive language, and motor skills. Few scientific reports indicate that twins after TTTS do not demonstrate significant differences in tests which measure intellectual functioning. Methods: The cognitive functioning of twins in the late childhood period was compared using the following tools: an analysis of their medical history, an interview with their parents, and neuropsychological tests allowing the evaluation of their whole profile of cognitive functions. Case Study: Cognitive functioning in the late childhood period was analyzed in a pair of 11-year-old male twins (juvenile athletes), a donor and a recipient, who had developed TTTS syndrome in the prenatal period. Results: Comparison of the cognitive functioning profile of the donor and recipient revealed that children with a history of TTTS develop normally in terms of cognitive and motor functioning in late childhood. A comparative analysis of the donor and recipient was more favorable for the recipient, who had a higher level of general intelligence, visual–motor memory, and semantic fluency. Conclusions: The fact that both the donor and the recipient chose to pursue athletics suggests that gross motor skills are their strongest suit. Playing sports as a method of rehabilitation of cognitive function of children born prematurely after TTTS could contribute to the improvement of cognitive functioning.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Donor and Recipient and Their Subsequent Cognitive Functioning in Late Childhood as Juvenile Athletes—A Case Study

Bidzan-Bluma

2021

“…The field of music therapy also developed treatment options to support mothers who gave birth prematurely, and they cover all three aspects that are described above, although most of these methods focus on treatment within the NICU [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. However, there is currently a shortage of music therapy-based methods that care for mothers and preterm infants, and address their psychosocial needs post-NICU hospitalization [39,40].…”

Section: Existing Treatment Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Music therapy programs that are intended specifically for NICU-discharged dyads are, to date, quite scarce [40]. Palazzi et al (2020) [54] reported of their work with a mother and her preterm baby, during their NICU hospitalization and 4 months after their discharge.…”

Section: Existing Treatment Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Observations of the dyad showed that MUSIP empowered the mother's competence to interact with her baby, and facilitated dyadic synchrony. Another project that focuses on NICU/discharged dyads is the "longSTEP" project [40,55,56]. In this ongoing project, conducted in Argentina, Colombia, Israel, Norway, and Poland, the effect of music therapy in the NICU and/or post discharge is concurrently tested on dyads of premature babies and their parents, after 6, 12, and 24 months.…”

Section: Existing Treatment Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Music Therapy with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-Discharged Mother-Infant Dyads: Developing a Method for Nurturing Communicative Parental Efficacy (CoPE with Music)

Calderon-Noy

Gilboa

2021

While much advancement has been documented in the practice of music therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment, there is currently a shortage of music therapy-based methods for NICU-discharged dyads. Back in their homes, mothers might feel alone, lacking guidance, and possibly losing their parental efficacy and their ability to communicate with their baby. In this article, we present a method for nurturing the communicative parental efficacy (CoPE) that was successfully practiced with several NICU-discharged dyads. In eight weekly sessions, the music therapist improvises with the dyad and focuses on (1) containing the mother’s emotions; (2) modeling musical interactions with the baby; and (3) practicing these musical interactions with the mother, enabling her to gain communicative parental efficacy. The basic ideas of CoPE are outlined, and a short case study is then described, to demonstrate how it is used. Finally, suggestions for future directions for the development of CoPE are provided.

“…The ANS maturation and behavioral responsivity in preterm infants is largely conditioned by gestational age [29], which is also a medical factor determining the starting point of many early therapy services in the NICU. In the field of NICU-MT it has been recommend that interventions should not be started earlier than 26 weeks [47].…”

Section: Potential Variables Related To the Mechanisms In Nicu Music Therapy During Kangaroo Carementioning

confidence: 99%

Potential Psychological and Biological Mechanisms Underlying the Effectiveness of Neonatal Music Therapy during Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm Infants and Their Parents

Bieleninik

Ettenberger

Epstein

et al. 2021

Self Cite

Neonatal music therapy (MT) has become more accessible worldwide. Previous research suggests multiple benefits of MT for preterm infants and their caregivers; however, far too little attention has been paid to understanding the mechanisms of change in previous Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)-MT research so far. This perspective article describes potential mechanisms of MT interventions exposed during kangaroo mother care on the preterm infant’s response (behavioral and physiological outcomes) and the mother-infant relationship. The paper focuses on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis’ role in stabilization of behavioral state, the autonomic nervous system’s role in stabilization of physiologic state, as well as co-regulation as a potential mechanism for the developing of the parent-infant relationship. Mechanisms play a pivotal role in understanding variables related to the therapy course and well as in generating new knowledge regarding treatment susceptibility and optimizing resources. Understanding of the mechanisms of how interventions may lead to specific outcomes plays an important role in addressing the issue of improvement of currently available approaches of MT used in the NICU.