Alameda Health System adds group singing and lullaby composition to perinatal care

Carnegie Hall, Noe Music, and Alameda Health System collaborate to offer the Lullaby Project to patients.

OAKLAND, Calif., May 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of Alameda Health System's newest parents will have original songs to sing to their babies this Mother's Day: lullabies they wrote themselves.

Alameda Health System has partnered with Carnegie Hall and Noe Music to offer the Lullaby Project, which pairs professional musicians with expecting families. Together, they compose and sing personalized lullabies in English and Spanish for their babies.

"It's amazing when you can experience in real time something that research has shown to be true: that Centering, singing, and lullabies can all have a positive impact on mental health and bonding. I have personally and professionally experienced the power of writing and singing original lullabies. The Lullaby Project is one of the most inspiring resources I have offered to my Centering patients," said Devorah Cohen Roisman, certified nurse midwife and Centering Pregnancy clinical director at Alameda Health System.

Watch a video about the Lullaby Project at Alameda Health System here.

The Lullaby Project is a program of Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute that reaches parents in health care settings, community centers, high schools, correctional settings, and more. Researchers have found that creating and singing lullabies mutually benefits parents and their children.

"Carnegie Hall partners with community organizations and health systems such as Noe Music and Alameda Health System to support maternal health, aid childhood development, and create meaningful ways for new parents to connect with their children through music," said Tiffany Ortiz, director of early childhood programs at Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. "Songwriting is a wonderful way for parents to express their hopes and dreams for their children and for themselves. We've seen firsthand the tremendous impact the Lullaby Project has had on caregiver and family well-being."

San Francisco music series and cultural hub Noe Music provides professional musicians to the Lullaby Project at Alameda Health System. 

"Noe Music shares a vision with Alameda Health System and Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. We all see the healing power of music and the singular role it can play for families from historically marginalized communities in the Bay area. What a privilege to help families birth new songs that honor the joys and challenges of ushering in new life," said Meena Bhasin, co-artistic director at Noe Music.

Alameda Health System's adoption of the Lullaby Project delivers therapeutic music experiences to patients enrolled in its Centering Pregnancy program, a group perinatal care service for cohorts of birthing people and families who are expecting around the same time. Centering groups are a midwife-led model of care that integrates perinatal medical care with social services, interactive learning, and community building.

Alameda Health System offers culturally congruent Centering cohorts including Spanish-language Centering and Beloved Birth Black Centering. Studies show that Centering reduces rates of babies born too soon and too small, and Centering has been shown to reduce racism-based disparities in maternal health outcomes.

"Pregnant parents who receive their perinatal care at Alameda Health System can expect comprehensive, wraparound services and whole-person programming that enriches their pregnancy journey from start to finish," said James Jackson, CEO of Alameda Health System. "We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of care, while also creating cultural spaces where our patients feel heard, empowered and respected."

About Alameda Health System 

Alameda Health System (AHS) is a leading public, integrated health care provider and medical training institution recognized for its world-class patient and family-centered care. AHS provides comprehensive medical treatment, health promotion and disease prevention throughout our integrated network of hospitals, clinics and health services. AHS includes three acute care hospitals, a psychiatric hospital, four ambulatory care wellness centers, five post-acute facilities, and the only adult Level 1 Trauma Center and psychiatric emergency department in Alameda County. AHS is committed to promoting wellness and optimizing the health of the community through the mission of caring, healing, teaching and serving all. For more information, visit AlamedaHealthSystem.org. 

CONTACT:

Eleanor Ajala

Manager, Media and Communications

Alameda Health System

(510) 421-9222

eajala@alamedahealthsystem.org

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SOURCE Alameda Health System