This book synthesizes and analyzes research on early vocal contact (EVC) for preterm infants
an early healthcare strategy aimed at reducing the long-term impact of neonatal hospitalization
minimizing negative impacts of premature birth and promoting positive brain development.
Chapters begin by examining research on the maternal voice and its unique and fundamental role
in infant development during the fetal and neonatal period. The book discusses the rationale
for EVC with preterm infants the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and the challenges for
infants' development. Subsequent chapters highlight various EVCs that are used in the neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU) including direct talking and singing to preterm infants. In
addition the book also presents and evaluates early family-centered therapies as well as
paternal and other caregiver voice interventions. Topics featured in this book include:Early
vocal contact and the language development of preterm infants.The maternal voice and its
influence on the stability and the sleep of preterm infants. Parental singing as a form of
early interactive contact with the preterm infant. Recorded or live music interventions in the
bioecology of the NICU. The role of the music therapist to hospitalized infants. The Calming
Cycle Theory and its implementation in preterm infants. Early Vocal Contact and Preterm Infant
Brain Development is an essential reference for researchers clinicians and related
professionals and graduate students in developmental psychology pediatrics neuroscience
obstetrics and nursing.
