Alexis Ruffner, MT-BC
Parent Connection: Supporting New Parents and Their Infants During COVID-19
Reflecting on her music therapy work with premature infants, Alexis Ruffner noted that few things changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but her newly established Parent Connection community groups were put on hold. Over the summer, she sent pre-recorded music videos to assist families in supporting their infant’s developmental goals, which eventually led to weekly groups held via Zoom. Families engaged with musical instruments they had at home and body percussion, such as snapping and clapping; cloth diapers, soft wash cloths, or a baby blanket were used for visual stimulation. In this podcast, Alexis also describes the challenges new parents faced related to isolation and their grief of missed baby showers, visiting with their own parents, or celebrating the arrival of their newborn.
Resources:
- Miller, A. M. (2007). Baby sing and sign: Communicate early with you baby: Learning signs the fun way through music and play. Marlowe & Company.
- Standley, J. M., & Walworth, D. (2010). Music therapy with premature infants: Research and developmental interventions (2nd ed.). American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
- Walworth, D. (2013). Bright start music: A developmental program for music therapists, parents, and teachers of young children. American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
About the Interviewee:
Alexis Ruffner, MT-BC, is currently pursuing a Masters of Science degree in early childhood and family development and serves as the music therapist in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. During the COVDI-19 pandemic, she worked with premature infants and their families and led early infant and parent developmental music groups.
Contact: Alexis.Ruffner@NortonHealthcare.orgalexis ruffner
Suggested Citation:
Shine, E. (2021, June 11). Parent connection–Supporting new parents and their infants during COVID-19: An interview with Alexis Ruffner [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz