These playlists have been created by previous neonatal parents as a starting point for finding the right sounds and songs
These playlists are made up of sounds and songs that other parents found helpful during uncertain times in the neonatal unit, to reconnect with themselves and bond with their baby. Each playlist links to the weather themes in the journal.
When we feel warmth, comfort and connections, how can we communicate or make space for how we feel?
“It was extremely helpful for me to listen to music that was familiar and comforting to me, but in a toned down way that was also not too much for the baby. It was definitely an easy choice for me when making decisions was extremely difficult.”
— NICU parent
When we feel anger, frustration and strong emotions, how can we communicate or make space for how we feel?
Sadness and quiet reflection. Soft, steady and sometimes heavy.
I’m a huge Disney fan, so I would play Disney playlist and sing to her. They didn’t know if the brain damage would cause her to be deaf but she definitely heard the sound of her mamas voice
– NICU parent
Sometimes we feel restless, anxious and overwhelmed.
This is a space to find calm despite the wind.
I would listen to this song [heatbeat] a lot especially after my induction started to keep me calm and prepare me for birth. I would then play this song during our time at [NNU]. I now often listen to it too.
– NICU parent
The quiet of a still lake or a peaceful morning. This is a space for tranquility, stillness, and healing, if it feels right.
Sometimes we are stuck in a starless night sky with the unknown. This is a space to sit with your feeling and wait for the darkness to pass.
I listened to [Under the Pressure] lot at home whilst he was at the hospital. This song has for a while been my sort of “pick me up” song
– NICU parent
ישי ריבו – אוחילהלמילים כשאין לך אותן/ישי ריבו – אוחילה
– NICU parent
Sometimes we feel confused, uncertain and lost. Stuck inside a thick fog and unsure of which way to go. This is a space to sit with your feelings and look for glimpses of clarity
‘Summertime’ was one of the first songs we played and sparked a lot of our music connection.
– NICU parent
Dua pt.1 & 2 للتأكيد على قدرات الله/ للتأكيد على قدرات الله
– NICU parent
This is about passion, determination and fierce love. It’s a flame inside your heart. This is a space to celebrate your strength and the love you have for your baby.
‘Say a little prayer’ will always be the quintessential song of my wife and son
– NICU parent
This seems like an odd choice but Gin in [Gin Soaked boy] means spirited soaked boy and with that in mind the words just speak to me!
– NICU parent
Are you feeling numb and emotionally freezing? Stuck in a cold place where its hard to feel or connect? Sometimes we just have to sit with our feelings and find small moments of warmth until we feel right.
We used to hum [gymnopedie] to Reiaan to sleep when he was having a disturbed time and it always settled him down, it was also what we used to listen to when his mum was pregnant with him and couldn’t sleep.
This Russian traditional song was the only song I could remember that had a soft sound to it but very sad lyrics. I so desperately wanted to sing something in Russian to him that I ended up singing this.
– NICU parent