Music therapy helping NICU babies thrive [Video]

HOUSTON — Music therapy is being used to help the tiniest babies in Houston-area hospitals.

“My job is really to keep the baby calm and their nervous system regulated,” Mata said. “I’ll come by the bedside to sing a lullaby. Their breathing slows down. Heart rate goes down. That tachycardia goes away. They calm down. They stop crying and they go to sleep pretty quickly. It happens right away.”

The songs she picks, the instruments she uses, and her volume are always intentional. Hannah also sings in the mom’s native language.

She said research shows babies in music therapy gain more weight. She said she sees evidence that it works in the NICU every day.

“Because I come in when they’re in pain, they’re suffering, I provide …