Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Antenatal Music Therapy for Families Experiencing Pregnancies Where the Foetus Has a Life-Limiting Diagnosis

It is evident from research that music, and in particular music therapy, can be hugely beneficial throughout pregnancy for both a mother and her developing baby (Lander, 2017; Arya et al, 2012). Communication, building relationships and relaxation are just some of the benefits experienced during the antenatal period and can be linked with postnatal experiences and development, in particular, within the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) (Keith, Russell & Weaver, 2009, Ettenberger, 2017, Roa & Ettenberger, 2018).

However, comprehensive literature reveals little evidence about music therapy in pregnancies where screening tests show the foetus has a condition meaning they may not develop to full term, survive the birth or that the newborn will have ongoing complications and limited life expectancy. Having this knowledge and deciding to continue with the pregnancy undoubtedly has an impact on the antenatal bonding process and finding ways to connect with "the bump" are incredibly important (Mastnak, 2016).

This study proposes to explore the role music therapy can play in antenatal bonding and memory making experiences prior to birth. This uses recordings of the baby's heartbeat combined with precomposed music to create a memory track which can then be saved into a recording device such as a memory bear.

The study will involve a single recruiting site, the Rainbows Hospice for Babies, Children and Young Adults where the Principal Investigator (PI) is the music therapist who will undertake all the study procedures with the participants.

The two NHS Trusts (University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust and Leicester University Hospitals) will be participant identification centres (PICs). Potential participants will be identified by the clinical staff delivering usual clinical care. They will then make the first approach and if the potential participant is interested, give them a Participant Information Sheet (PIS). The PIS will contain the contact details for the PI. The potential participant may contact the PI directly if they are interested in discussing the study further or participating.