Research has proven that the sound environment of a newborn is very important. But you'd be amazed at how many contradictions you'll find if you read the scientific literature.

In the next several posts, I'll share an insider’s perspective on how to choose the best music for your baby.

There is a lot of mis-information and marketing masquerading that has become accepted as fact.

For instance, playing Mozart's music for your baby does not produce the results, like increasing IQ, that some would have you believe.

Besides, which composition by Mozart would you play? “The Marriage of Figaro”? (Many people really did use this, and wondered why it didn't work!)

No, there is much more to choosing the right soundtrack than opting for a composer who hasn't been alive in over 200 years.

My next post will include some provocative insights that I'm sure you'll find helpful.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

If you're a mother to be, what do you think is the best music to play while giving birth?

If you've read some of the same newspaper or magazine articles as I have, you might choose loud, pounding rock music. For example, "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen.

The idea, of course, is that you can synchronize the squeezing of your pelvic muscles in rhythmical contraction. And the loud volume would make it easier to make your own loud sounds.

And you'd be right--up to a point.

My next blog entry offers you another perspective.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

About 20 years ago, I was honored to present my work to the annual conference of the International Pre-and Perinatal Psychology Association in New York City.

I had been invited by Dr. Thomas Verny, whose international bestseller "The Secret Life of the Unborn Child" had revolutionized the field.

He had found, like many others, that there was a viable alternative to playing loud rock music while giving birth. In fact, for the well-being of the newborn, playing music that provide a nurturing field of sound, like the liquid and flowing music that I compose, might be much better.

One of the keynote speakers expanded upon the breakthroughs featured in Dr. Verny's book, which demonstrated that babies are much more aware of their world than we ever imagined.

One researcher did something no one else ever had. He asked the babies themselves.

My next post may really surprise you.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

Dr. David Chamberlain presented his research that contradicted a prevailing misconception (pun intended) about using rock music during labor. He asked kids as soon as they could speak--in many cases, their memories hadn't faded away yet. And what they told him was: "Loud, pounding music hurts and frightens them."

Think about it. Their nervous systems have not built up any filters yet. Their little bodies are much more sensitive to stimulation of all the senses, especially sound and light. That's why you may want to consider your baby's needs as well as your own.

Over the last 30 years, I've received many letters from mothers who confirmed that the kind of music they played during birthing and at home made a significant difference in the behavior and well-being of their offspring. Three of the CDs they most highly recommended are: