TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - For 10 month old twins Merritt and Grace, music has been a part of their lives since they were born.
Music Therapist Ciele Gutierrez says she was born with a passion for music as well.
A new grant is allowing for the first time, the NICU Music Therapy program to go beyond the hospital, and into the homes of patients during their most vulnerable weeks of life.
Every minute they're awake, Merritt and Grace are exploring, learning and growing.
The twins were born premature at 33 weeks, and spent 17 days in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, where they were introduced to TMH's music therapy program.
"One of the things we found is early discharge with infants, helping with their suck, swallow pattern, while working on feedings, but also found stabilization of vitals," said Ciele Gutierrez, the Music and Therapy Program Coordinator.
This year that program is expanding to offer in-home music therapy to NICU patients, for the first six months of life to provide families with more education and resources.
"It's so fun, it takes me back to realize how they have grown, they were on feeding tubes and getting overstimulated in NICU and now, getting to see them interact and really respond to the music is so much fun to see," said Ginger Cottrell, mother of the twins.
Some say music is food to the soul but for Merritt and Grace, it's also fuel for their growth as they approach their first birthday happier and healthier than doctors expected.
The 1/2 hour music sessions will be offered for free to NICU patients' during their three and six month marks.
If you are interested in this program for yourself or someone you know, contact Ciele Gutierrez.
