Memories in Heartbeats Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of using Antenatal Music Therapy for Families Experiencing Pregnancies where the Foetus has a Life-Limiting Diagnosis
IRAS ID
320247
Contact name
Shalini Ojha
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This small feasibility and acceptability study proposes to explore the role of music therapy in antenatal bonding and memory making experiences prior to birth in mothers experiencing a pregnancy where screening tests show that the foetus has a condition meaning they may not develop to full term, survive the birth or that the new-born will have continued complications and limited life expectancy once born.
The outcome of this study will be to determine the feasibility and acceptability of offering antenatal music therapy for families experiencing pregnancies where a foetal condition or anomaly means that comfort care only is planned for the baby after birth and to assess if the development of a musical memory-making tool will be relevant for this patient group within the current bereavement midwifery services.
The study plans to use the recorded heartbeat of the unborn foetus and then to combine this with music of the family's choice to create a memory track which can then be saved into a recording device such as a memory bear for the family to keep.
It is proposed that this intervention could complement current memory making processes already being offered by services such as bereavement midwives working within Hospital trusts.Summary of Results
Memories in Heartbeats: The Study of Feasibility and Acceptability of Antenatal Music Therapy for Families Experiencing Pregnancies Where the Baby Has a Life-Limiting Diagnosis This small study involved five families who each created a special “memory track” combining their baby’s recorded heartbeat with a piece of music of their choice. Six months after creating their track, participants were interviewed about their experiences. Several key themes emerged:
• Accessibility: Having this offer available early in their pregnancy journey was vital. Families appreciated how simple and supported the process of creating the memory track was.
• Legacy: Families valued the enduring legacy created through the heartbeat recording. It was seen as a meaningful and tangible reminder of their baby’s existence, identity, and presence, no matter how brief their life.
• Privacy: Participants described the experience as deeply personal. Some chose to keep the memory track private, while others shared it only with close family or friends.
• Diagnosis-Specific Experiences: Each family’s experience was influenced by their baby’s specific diagnosis. For instance, for those whose baby had a heart condition, the process of hearing and using the heartbeat became more manageable and meaningful.
• Relationship to the Music: The choice of music was highly personal and symbolic. Families selected pieces that reflected their individual experiences, emotions, or their journey through pregnancy.
• Control: The project gave families a sense of control and participation during a time when many other decisions felt beyond their influence.
• Recommendations: Families shared valuable feedback that has since been incorporated into the ongoing Memories in Heartbeats offer.
In summary:
The study demonstrated that this approach is both feasible and acceptable for families facing a life-limiting diagnosis for their unborn baby. Offering this early in a complex pregnancy journey provided meaningful emotional support for families and was well received by healthcare professionals.
As a result of these positive findings, Rainbows Hospice has continued to offer the Memories in Heartbeats project to many more families, both antenatally and postnatally.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
23/SS/0058
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion