How Music Therapy Soothes Premature Babies in Edmonton's NICU

A music therapy program at Edmonton’s Grey Nuns Community Hospital has brought comfort to premature babies and their families. The initiative, led by music therapist Rebecca Lappa, aims to ease stress and improve bonding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). One family, in particular, has seen firsthand how music can make a difference for their newborn son. Gypsy Bendoy’s son, Timothy, has spent over a month in the NICU since his premature birth. Music has always been part of his life—his father played songs for him even before he was born. When Lappa visited Timothy for a music therapy session, his heart rate slowed, and he responded calmly to the melodies.

The four-month pilot program focused on reducing stress, regulating sleep, and strengthening connections between parents and babies. Families reported positive experiences, prompting the hospital to consider making the initiative permanent. However, funding remains a challenge, with the two-year program estimated to cost up to $70,000. Bendoy hopes more NICU families can benefit from the therapy, just as she and Timothy did. The hospital is now seeking community support to keep the program running long-term.

The therapy’s success has led to discussions about its future at Grey Nuns Hospital. If funded, the program could become a permanent resource for families in the NICU. For now, its impact on babies like Timothy highlights the potential of music to support healing and emotional well-being.