Name: Heartbeats by Our Songs (Neonatal Unit)
Duration: 5 min 16 s
Description: This very slow lullaby draws on the lyrical and musical content of one Mum's favourite American Rock/Punk Songs. Later in the residency she told me she had been singing with her twins and was really surprised how calming it was for them and for her.

This is a Senegalese lullaby in the Wolof language taught to me by Marianne Clarac from France - one of the most experienced musicians working in neonatology in Europe (www.musique-sante.org/en). "Fly little bird to your grandparents' house". You will hear simple vocal harmonies on this recording which are fun to try. This song is for Romiley's Mum who loves West Africa.

Ayo'o Sama Sope

This very slow lullaby draws on the lyrical and musical content of one Mum's favourite American Rock/Punk Songs. Later in the residency she told me she had been singing with her twins and was really surprised how calming it was for them and for her.

Heartbeats

Singing can be the most calming form of interaction for babies and their families (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301680.php)

Research tells us that live music helps to

lower premature babies’ heart rate
increase their oxygen saturation
help with feeding and sleep
reduce parental stress
(http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/5/902)

Holly is a professional singer and Kora player (West African Harp used for baby naming celebrations). She works at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for LIME Music for Health and is a registered Music Therapist.

holly1cropped

She will be working in residency at the Neonatal Unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital to support singing, helping parents and siblings to create and use simple songs because their voices are the best music for their baby.

Heartbeats

Our Songs (Neonatal Unit)

Related tracks