EFFECT OF MUSIC THERAPY ON MATERNAL STRESS LEVELS AND VOLUME OF EXPRESSED BREAST MILK – A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

This pilot randomized control trial will include 80 newborn mother dyads, 40 each in the intervention and the control group. A written informed consent will be sought from the parents/legal guardian. The details of newborn history, finding of clinical examination and results of investigation will be recorded in the predesigned proforma. Maternal and family characteristics, ANC details and birth related history, comorbid conditions, physical characteristics and investigation results will be meticulously enquired and entered in the proforma. Block randomization including blocks of 4 will be utilized for recruitment of subjects in the two arms.

For expression of milk in the control group, the mother will be made to sit in the designated area for 10 minutes after which expression of milk will be done by aseptic measures. For the study group, the mother will be seated in the same place and will be made to listen to a preselected light instrumental music with the help of earpods for 30 minutes. The expression of milk will be done after 20 minutes while she still keeps listening to the music adopting the same procedure as previously mentioned.

The volume of milk expressed will be quantified and fed to the baby as advised by the treating neonatologist. The trial will commence after obtaining the registration from CTRI