Written by: Lora Heller, LCAT, MT-BC, Expressive Therapy Consultant, Founder of Baby Fingers
Becoming a parent can be overwhelming—even joyful moments can stir up intense emotions. At The Motherhood Center, our weekly music therapy sessions, offered exclusively in our one-of-a-kind Day Program, provide new parents a space to pause, connect, and breathe. Through music, we find gentle ways to process big feelings, feel more grounded, and build emotional connections—with ourselves and with our babies.
So, what is music therapy exactly? It’s not just singing or listening to music—it’s the intentional use of music, guided by a trained therapist, to support emotional well-being. In a safe, supported environment, music can help bring feelings to the surface, foster self-awareness, and build healthy ways to cope.
What It Looks Like in Our Groups
Every Monday in our Day Program, you’ll find our therapy groups singing, drumming, or simply breathing to music. We might hum, rewrite lyrics, shake egg shakers, or sign along with the songs. Whether participants come solo or with their babies, each session is designed to meet them exactly where they are.
We usually start with calming music-led breathing, move through one or more core music therapy methods, and close with a short chant to leave on a high note. As the music therapist, I adjust each session in real-time, choosing songs that fit the mood and modifying rhythm or tempo to help regulate emotions.
Why Music Works
Singing can do a lot more than you’d think. It boosts dopamine and endorphins—those feel-good chemicals in your brain that improve mood, reduce pain, and even support your immune system. Group singing adds another level of magic: connection. You’re no longer alone in the experience.
Even if singing’s not your thing, humming can still help. The vibrations it creates stimulate the vagus nerve, which flips on your body’s relaxation mode. This lowers stress, improves blood flow, and even calms your baby when they’re nestled on your chest.
Speaking of babies—research shows that babies respond more positively when sung to than when spoken to. The vibrations from singing are stronger and more comforting. Singing also increases oxytocin (the love hormone) and reduces maternal anxiety. Even without touch, things like eye contact and vocal play can build deep emotional bonds and trust.
More Than Music: Connection and Growth
Singing face-to-face with your baby also supports their speech and emotional development. It’s a great time to weave in simple sign language, which can open up early communication and self-expression. At The Motherhood Center, music therapy is just one of the many ways we care for new and expecting parents. Whether you’re navigating the highs, the lows, or the in-betweens of early parenthood, our programs are here to support you with compassion, creativity, and community. Every voice matters—and through music, we help you find yours again.
The Motherhood Center of New York: With treatment, everyone can feel better. You are not alone.
Complete a new patient form to learn more about our treatment services. P: (212) 335-0034
Learn more about music therapy and language learning on the Baby Finger’s blog!