The power of music - Calm and drug free

MANY parents have seen at firsthand music’s wondrous capacity to soothe a troubled child.

This miracle is represented in nearly every culture around the world where lullabies are recognised as often being more calming than any alternative.

Now this great but mysterious force may be harnessed to help women relax during pregnancy.

The Lullaby Research team at the University of Limerick are working to find drug-free ways to deal with the stress often felt by expectant mothers. There is already evidence to confirm that listening to music and singing benefits both mother and infant.

Nevertheless, anything that might bring music to the centre of a parent-child relationship is to be welcomed.