MUSIC TO THEIR EARS

Thanks to your donations to the Foundation's Neonatal Fund, our precious infants are now hearing music while receiving care at Saint Joseph's Hospital. Speaker pillows and tape recorders were recently purchased for each of the twenty-four isolettes in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

According to Rachael Haupt-Harrington, NICU Nurse Manager, the program is important for several reasons. "Since two-thirds of our families are from outside our community, there are many times when family cannot always be with their child."

Families can now tape messages, sing songs, or read a favorite book. The tape is then played to the infant when a family member is not able to be there. "It allows a sense of connectedness for both family members and the child," says Rachael.

Siblings, who sometimes cannot visit often, especially appreciate the program as they are now helping in the healing of their brother or sister.

Because many infants are on oxygen, a regular tape recorder cannot be placed in the isolette. With the speaker pillow, the tape recorder line feeds into the isolette.

The program also provides the opportunity to play relaxation tapes and music to the infants. The music helps soothe the infants and softens equipment noise and other interruptions so that the babies can rest more comfortably.

"All of our parents have commented on how wonderful this program is," states Rachael, "It is truly a great way for parents and family members to always be with their precious baby."