Date of Graduation
Spring 2024
Degree
Master of Science in Early Childhood and Family Development
Department
Early Childhood and Family Development
Committee Chair
Elizabeth King
Abstract
Previous research performed with mother–infant dyads has demonstrated that infant–directed singing may make significant contributions to mother–infant attachment, may reduce infant stress, reduce maternal stress, assist mothers and babies with emotional regulation, improve mother–infant interactions, prevent colic, and improve infant sleep. Despite these benefit potentials, parents of today are much less likely to sing to their infants than parents of previous generations. Attendance of postnatal lullaby education programs has been associated with increased maternal singing at home and confidence in their parenting role. Perinatal lullaby programs are not represented in the literature. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of parents attending a perinatal lullaby program through a phenomenological lens. Parents attending a Lullaby Circle reported on their experiences singing in class and at home in the perinatal period. Parents described experiences of bonding and connection with their babies, a sense of connection to a larger community, and increased singing at home. Parents also reported using singing as a parenting tool and self-care practice. Parents enjoyed and valued their experience in the current perinatal lullaby program. Community music outreach programs such as this could help parents feel better supported and empowered to meet the demands of pregnancy and parenting. Infant–directed singing may be a preventative measure for parental well-being and prenatal and postnatal attachment by having positive impacts on parent well-being. Lullaby singing may be a unique attachment intervention in that it can be performed in the prenatal and postnatal periods.
Keywords
perinatal, lullaby, attachment, prenatal attachment, infant–directed singing, parent–infant attachment
Subject Categories
Early Childhood Education | Music Education
Copyright
© Emily J. Skeers
Recommended Citation
Skeers, Emily J., "Experience of Parents Attending a Perinatal Lullaby Program" (2024). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 3964.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3964
