Singing with your Baby songbook

28 Jul 2021

The Singing with your Baby songbook was created by singer and singing educator Gemma Turner, who runs the Singing with your Baby Program at St John of God Burwood Hospital's Mother and Baby Unit and it is now available to parents at all hospitals.

“We conducted some research into the benefits of singing and found positive and significant improvements on mothers' mood,” said Gemma. 

“Mothers reported they felt more relaxed, cheerful and clear-headed after singing with their baby." 

The project was extended to include all parents who use our maternity and perinatal and infant mental health services when Gemma collaborated with St John of God Health Care Group Arts and Health Coordinator, Deborah Pearson. 

“Importantly the book contains songs in languages other than English to reflect the cultural diversity of our clients and communities," Deborah said. 

A generous donation from St John of God Health Care Group Director, Legal, Risk and Compliance, Larissa Johnstone and the St John of God Foundation provided the funds to provide printed copies of the songbook as a gift to parents who attend St John of God Raphael Services or St John of God Horizon House Young Mother and Baby Program.

In 2019, Larissa donated the funds her family raised through their annual spectacular Christmas lights display to Raphael Services.

Social Outreach CEO, Sue Cantwell said publishing the book and offering free copies to parents attending Raphael Services and the House Horizon Young Mother and Baby Program would support them to connect with their babies in an easy and practical way.

“The purpose of our services is to support a strong parent-child attachment in those crucial early years so I am delighted that we are able to gift so many parents with a copy of this book which encourages them to connect with their children through singing."

Singing with your Baby can be ordered from St John of God Health Care's printing supplier, Print Media Group (PMG) who have the artwork available via their online ordering system. 

The song book and music can also be accessed online at sjog.org.au/singingwithyourbaby