The effect of parent training in music and multimodal stimulation on parent-neonate interactions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

This study examined the effects of parent training in music and multimodal stimulation on the quantity and quality of parent-neonate interactions and the weight gain and length of hospitalization of premature and low birthwei ght (LBW) infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Twenty sets of parents and premature LBW infants participated in the study. Parents in the experimental group (n = 10) received approximately one hour of instruction in appropriate uses of music, multimodal stimulation including massage tec hniques, and signs of infant overstimulation and techniques for its avoidan ce. Parent-neonate interactions, specifically parent actions and responses and infant stress and nonstress behaviors, were observed for subjects in bo th groups. Infant stress behaviors were significantly fewer and appropriate ness of parent actions and responses were significantly greater for experim ental infants and parents than for control subjects. Parents in the experim ental group also self-reported spending significantly more time visiting in the NICU than did parents of control infants. In addition, length of hospi talization was shorter and average daily weight gain was greater for infant s whose parents received training, although these differences were not sign ificant. A one month, postdischarge follow-up showed little difference betw een experimental and control group parent-infant interactions in the home.