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The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) presents significant sensory and emotional challenges for preterm infants and their families. Early maternal separation, aberrant sensory exposures, and potential limitations to parental bonding pose risks to infants' neurodevelopment and overall health, whilst families may experience emotional distress. This study of current scientific literature evaluates the necessity and potential impact of using the recording of maternal sounds to simulate intrauterine auditory environments in NICUs. A narrative review of studies assessing sensory interventions in NICUs was conducted, focusing on outcomes related to infant neurodevelopment, family bonding, and caregiver experiences. Data were synthesized to determine the effectiveness and uniqueness of audio-stimulation of infants using recordings of maternal sounds compared to existing interventions. Maternal sound stimulation, including voice and heartbeat playback, has been shown to promote neurodevelopment by enhancing auditory cortex maturation, reducing stress responses, and improving breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants. It may also help in reducing the incidence of cardiorespiratory events, mitigation of pain responses during procedures, and improvement in sleep regulation. While the benefits of maternal sound recordings are well established in specific areas, further research is needed to evaluate their long-term impact on cognitive development, emotional well-being, and attachment outcomes in preterm infants. Additionally, the broader effects of this intervention on family bonding and wellbeing, particularly in diverse NICU settings, require more extensive exploration. Recordings of maternal sounds hold significant promise as a targeted, practical solution to address the sensory needs of preterm infants and also help in strengthening the infant-family bond.
Mukerji et al. (Fri,) studied this question.