The first sound a new mother looks forward to the most is the cry of her new baby. The second? At Wise Health System it’s the classic, soothing notes of Brahms’ Lullaby.
From money raised by hospital auxiliary volunteers, a Lullaby Button was installed in the labor and delivery nurses’ station at the East Campus in Decatur. When a baby is born, 18 seconds of guitar notes from the familiar children’s lullaby is played softly throughout the hospitals main areas. This sound lets everyone know a new life has arrived, uplifting spirits and reminding us of just how precious life is, while also allowing them to share the moment of joy and, in a small way, celebrate with the new parents.
When you’re a new parent you want to shout to the world and let everyone know about your new baby. Our new mothers delight when they hear it after they’ve delivered, it’s rewarding for them to be able to share their joy with others.
And for families who gather in the waiting room anticipating the arrival of the newest member, they rejoice when they hear the tune, knowing it is for “their” baby.
Wise Health System averages 60 births per month, so for full-time staff, it’s a welcome sound and not too overwhelming. One group of hospital volunteers noted, “We look forward to hearing it each day.”