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
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
VIRTA submission year: 2021
JUFO rating: 2