This presentation will explore the evidenced-based role of music therapy in the NICU, with a focus on neurodevelopmental considerations and outcomes, infant-parent attachment and the auditory environment. Participants will gain practical insight into how they can intentionally use music and their voice in their day-to -day care of infants and families.
The presentation will cover:

• How music therapy supports infants’ neurodevelopment, physiological stability, and mental health
• The importance of intentional use of voice and music in NICU
• Music Therapy’s role in supporting infant-parent relationships
• The impact of the auditory environment on neonatal development
• The role of NICU nurses in supporting an optimal auditory environment

Presenter: Lauren Khalil-Salib, Registered Music Therapist (RMT, NICU MT)

Bio: Lauren Khalil-Salib (she/her) is a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) with additional training as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist (NICU MT) and has undertaken Advanced Training in Infant Mental Health and the Newborn Behavioural observation (NBO). She has previously worked in acute paediatrics at The Royal Children’s Hospital across a range of specialty areas, including the NICU and Infant program and now runs her own Private Practice LA Therapy, providing clinical services, consultancy and program development services, central to early intervention and infant neurodevelopment and mental health. Lauren is passionate about supporting infants and families in the community who require long and/or frequent admissions into hospital and is co-developing education modules to support families and healthcare professionals caring for these infants. Additionally, Lauren is working closely with NICUs to support NICU music therapy program growth in Australia.

Cost: Free for ACNN members; $22 for non-members
Registration essential to receive the Zoom login details. Please only register if you intend to join the presentation live on the evening. The Zoom details will be sent between 2-48 hours prior to the event commencement time.