A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics has shown the positive benefits of singing to your preemie.

Thank god! At least now I can stop apologizing in my head for subjecting my wonderful nurses to my terrible singing voice for all those months! I wasn't just singing for myself - I was singing for Sam's health. Phew.

In all honesty, I knew that singing to Sam was helping him. I could see how he relaxed when I sang. I would watch the numbers on the monitor settle as I broke into song. But more than what it did for Sam, singing to him did wonders for me.

While in the NICU there was not a lot I could do to feel like a "normal" mom.  I only got to hold my baby once a day.  He didn't nurse until he was almost two months old.  All of his baths were done late at night, so I didn't get to bathe him until he was over three months old and home.  Changing Sam's diaper was the one thing I was able to do routinely in the NICU.  Well, changing his diaper and singing.  And I did both of those things as often as I could.

In order not to loose my mind by singing baby songs, I had an interesting mix of songs that I sang to Sam.  I had a few traditional songs like "You Are My Sunshine" and "Hush Little Baby".  I made up my own verses for the latter - it was more fun that way.  I also sang some of my favorites like "Mama Tried" and "Monkey Man".

It's funny, because even today, song is such a huge part of Sam's soothing routine.  When he is upset, all I have to do is break out of of his current favorite songs, and Sam immediately calms down.

If he will not eat, I pull out the iPhone and play the Mumford and Sons "I Will Wait" or Sandi Thom "I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker".  No matter the situation, all it takes is a song to bring Sam back to a calm and happy state.

The power of music is really remarkable.

What songs did you (or do you) sing to your baby?