Music therapy – An alternative form supporting the quality of mother and baby care

Abstract

Based on numerous pieces of clinical evidence, music has been used more and more frequently in obstetrics. During the prenatal development it is received both by the mother and by the developing foetus. The baby reacts to the voice of its parents, responding by intensified activity, which corresponds to the increase in the number of its movements. It reacts similarly to everyday sounds and music. Listening to music improves the health of women, who are exposed to stress during pregnancy. Therefore, implementing minor changes in those units may significantly change the lives of babies and women. Music therapy is also recommended to women during and after giving birth. Music significantly affects the natural feeding, ensuring the health of mother and baby. It influences the baby’s intelligence, developing its mathematical, analytical, and linguistic capacities. Stimulation by music may significantly enhance the quality of care of newborns and pregnant women.