The Effects of Music Therapy and Relaxation Prior to Breastfeeding on the Anxiety of New Mothers and the Behavior State of Their Infants during Feeding

• Other Authors: Procelli, Danielle Elizabeth (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-0463

This study examined the effects of music therapy and relaxation techniques with first time mothers who were breastfeeding. Dependent variables were behavior state of the mother during breastfeeding, behavior state of the infant during breastfeeding, the mother's self-reported perception of anxiety and relaxation during breastfeeding, and the mother's perception of breastfeeding and her use of music one week post discharge. Subjects were sixty (N=60) women who had chosen breastfeeding as their preferred feeding method for their infant. Between 24-48 hours after giving birth to their infant, subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (N=30) who received music therapy prior to breastfeeding or a no music control group (N=30). Results showed a statistically significant difference between the behavior-state of the mothers during their breastfeeding attempt. The experimental group displayed significantly less anxiety-related behaviors and more behaviors associated with relaxation and comfort. There was no significant difference between the behavior-state of the infants during breastfeeding. Data from self-report surveys revealed that mothers in the experimental music group reported feeling significantly more relaxed and less anxious after breastfeeding in the hospital then did the control group. No significant difference was found between groups based on mothers' perceptions of breastfeeding one week post hospital discharge. Additional data were collected for further analysis and implications are discussed. === A Thesis submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music. === Degree Awarded: Summer Semester, 2005. === Date of Defense: June 14, 2005. === Anxiety And Mothers, Prevention Of Postpartum Depression, Depression, Postpartum, Childbirth, Lactation, Postpartum Depression, Maternal Confidence, First Baby, First Time Mothers, Psychological, Behavioral, Emotions, Stress, History Of Breastfeeding, Breast Milk, Breastfeeding Benefits, Pregnancy, Hospital, Anxiety During Hospital Stay, Counseling, Intervention, Music Therapy And Relaxation, Anxiety Reduction, Music Therapy Postpartum === Includes bibliographical references. === Jayne M. Standley, Professor Directing Thesis; Clifford Madsen, Committee Member; Dianne Gregory, Committee Member.