A1 Journal article (refereed)
Effects of maternal singing during kangaroo care on maternal anxiety, wellbeing, and mother-infant relationship after preterm birth : a mixed methods study (2021)


Kostilainen, K., Mikkola, K., Erkkilä, J., & Huotilainen, M. (2021). Effects of maternal singing during kangaroo care on maternal anxiety, wellbeing, and mother-infant relationship after preterm birth : a mixed methods study. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 30(4), 357-376. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2020.1837210


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Kostilainen, Kaisamari; Mikkola, Kaija; Erkkilä, Jaakko; Huotilainen, Minna

Journal or series: Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

ISSN: 0809-8131

eISSN: 1944-8260

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 26/11/2020

Volume: 30

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 357-376

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2020.1837210

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/72870


Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth may disturb the typical development of the mother– infant relationship, when physical separation and emotional distress in the neonatal intensive care unit may increase maternal anxiety and create challenges for early interaction. This cluster-randomized controlled trial examined the effects of maternal singing during kangaroo care on mothers’ anxiety, wellbeing, and the early mother– infant relationship after preterm birth.
Method: In the singing intervention group, a certified music therapist guided the mothers (n = 24) to sing or hum during daily kangaroo care during 33–40 gestational weeks (GW). In the control group, the mothers (n = 12) conducted daily kangaroo care without specific encouragement to sing. Using a convergent mixed methods design, the quantitative outcomes included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at 35 GW and 40 GW to assess the change in maternal-state anxiety levels and parent diaries to examine intervention length. Post-intervention, the singing intervention mothers completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of quantitative and qualitative questions about their singing experiences.
Results: The mothers in the singing intervention group showed a statistically significant decrease in STAI anxiety levels compared to the control group mothers. According to the self-report questionnaire results, maternal singing relaxed both mothers and infants and supported their relationship by promoting emotional closeness and creating early interaction moments.
Discussion: Maternal singing can be used during neonatal hospitalization to support maternal wellbeing and early mother–infant relationship after preterm birth. However, mothers may need information, support, and privacy for singing.


Keywords: maternity; parent-child relationship; early interaction; emotions; anxiety; music therapy; singing; premature labour; premature infants

Free keywords: early interaction; emotional connection; maternal anxiety; maternal singing; preterm birth; preterm infant


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 2


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 22:40