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March 26, 2008

The Mozart Effect

I ended up going through my blog history and discovered several blog ideas from 2003, when I first started posting. I jotted down the ideas, but never fleshed them out, so I though it would be fun to share some of them this week. I'm posting the original idea, fleshing it out a little or updating the information where possible, and providing a link to any post that I eventually did make on the topic if I can find it. So, here goes:

From October 15, 2003: Rock-a-by Baby
Looking for the perfect gift for expectant mothers? Why not Beethoven For Bedtime? Studies show that listening to classical music while baby is in utero will soothe them after they are born. (Actually, this will work for any familiar music, but we hope that classical will make them smarter).

Since this idea, termed the Mozart Effect, the concept has been debunked (though I don't know where any of those studies, for or against, come from). The point is if the mother is enjoying the music and it relaxes her, the good chemistry is shared with the baby. I'd be willing to argue that socioeconomic factors play more of a role in children's brain development and achievement. It is possible that people who are likely to listen to classical music come from a higher socioeconomic background. However, this a topic of conversation beyond the scope of this blog that I don't intend to get into.

There are tons of great products out there for stimulating your baby, from music to books to toys. But the most important stimulation for your baby comes from you. One on one interaction with lots of talking, eye contact and positive physical touch, especially in the form of massage, is one of the greatest gifts any mother can give their child.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at March 26, 2008 4:59 PM