Reading Therapy for Newborn Care
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how mothers reading aloud affects the physiological responses of both the mother and her newborn in the hospital. The focus is on typically developing infants to determine if live reading offers any health benefits. Mothers delivering at Tulane Lakeside Hospital may qualify if their newborn is in the nursery, at least 34 weeks gestational age, and has no hearing or developmental issues. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential health benefits of maternal reading for newborns.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this reading therapy is safe for newborns?
Research has shown that reading books to newborns, especially in hospital settings like the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), is safe for both babies and their parents. Studies have found no negative effects from this practice. In fact, reading to babies can positively impact their language development.
For example, one study found that reading books together in the NICU helps prevent language delays. Another study found that a program encouraging parents to read to their babies was well-received and reported no safety concerns.
Overall, reading to newborns is a safe and well-accepted activity for both the baby and the parent.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about reading therapy for newborn care because it introduces an innovative approach to early childhood development right from the start. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medical interventions, reading therapy emphasizes cognitive and emotional stimulation through storytelling. This method aims to strengthen the bond between parent and child while supporting language skills and brain development from day one. By potentially improving newborn care outcomes with a simple, non-invasive activity, reading therapy could complement existing medical practices and enhance early developmental support.
What evidence suggests that book reading is effective for newborn care?
Research shows that when parents read books to their babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), it can help the babies develop language skills. One study found that babies who experienced shared book reading with their parents showed less decline in language skills in their first two years. Other studies highlight benefits for both babies and parents during their time in the NICU, such as improved bonding and communication. Additionally, parents from diverse backgrounds have successfully used interactive reading styles, enhancing the reading experience. These findings suggest that reading to newborns may support their development. In this trial, participants will read to their newborns to evaluate its impact on development.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Meghan Howell, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
Tulane University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for typically developing newborns, aged 34 weeks or older, admitted to Tulane-Lakeside Hospital Newborn Nursery. Their biological mothers must be able to consent in English and complete surveys. Babies with developmental disabilities, hearing disorders, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or not medically cleared are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive reading therapy to examine its effect on the ANS of mother and neonate
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in parasympathetic nervous system response and vagal tone
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Book reading
Trial Overview
The study investigates the impact of live maternal-infant book reading on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of both mother and child in a hospital setting. It aims to understand how this activity might benefit typically developing infants physiologically.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
The subject population will be newborn infants admitted to the Newborn Nursery (NN) at Tulane Lakeside Hospital. The investigators are anticipating some mothers can be recruited from the prenatal clinics who expect to deliver at Tulane Hospital during pregnancy as well.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Tulane University
Lead Sponsor
Saul's Light Foundation
Collaborator
Citations
A narrative review of the effect of parent–child shared reading ...
One study showed that parental shared book reading in an NICU is associated with lower decline in language development during the first 24 months.
Promoting language and literacy through shared book reading ...
The evidence from this scoping review shows the benefits of shared reading for infants and their caregivers during their NICU stay.
NCT05004857 | The Effect of Reading Therapy on Newborns
The investigators will examine the association of reading therapy with the infant's crying patterns, length of stay in the hospital, weight gain, and behavior ...
The Impact of Interactive Shared Book Reading on ...
This randomized controlled trial showed that caregivers from all socioeconomic backgrounds successfully adopted an interactive shared reading style.
Mother–infant shared book reading in the first year of life - Ho
This study examined verbal and non-verbal features of mother–infant shared book reading in Australia during the first year of life
Using Baby Books to Increase New Mothers' Safety Practices
While this 3-group randomized study found educational baby books to be effective for increasing low-income primiparous women's safety practices, these findings ...
Parental Book-Reading to Preterm Born Infants in NICU
This study investigated the possible advantages of book-reading to preterm neonates during their NICU stay on their subsequent language development.
Parental Book-Reading to Preterm Born Infants in NICU
Background: After preterm birth, infants are at high risk for delays in language development. A promising intervention to reduce this risk ...
A narrative review of the effect of parent–child shared ...
One study showed that parental shared book reading in an NICU is associated with lower decline in language development during the first 24 ...
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researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/323138896_Implementation_of_a_pilot_program_of_Reach_Out_and_ReadR_in_the_neonatal_intensive_care_unit_a_quality_improvement_initiative(PDF) Implementation of a pilot program of Reach Out and ...
Conclusion: We launched a well-received pilot ROR program in the NICU and reached our goal of ≥50% infants being read to by their parents.
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