At Littauer a Lullaby Announces a New Bundle of Joy

Hospital Plays 20 Seconds of Brahms' Lullaby Each Time a Baby Is Born

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Kelly Hartz, RN is credited with starting the program at Littauer

GLOVERSVILLE, NY (11/16/2011)(readMedia)-- At Nathan Littauer Hospital when Brahms' Lullaby plays over the hospital's loud speakers, it is a cause for celebration. In a new program started this week, when a baby is born in the hospital's Birthing Center, Brahms' Lullaby is broadcast throughout the hospital. "It is a good reminder to us all that miracles happen almost every day" stated Hospital Spokesperson, Cheryl McGrattan.

On November 2, 2011, the second day of the new initiative, guests, patients and staff were treated to three lullabies announcing three births. The hospital averages about 430 births a year. Nathan Littauer Hospital joins other hospitals across the nation adopting the lullaby program.

"Unfortunately, most hospitals are associated with fear, pain and discomfort." said Kelly Hartz, RN who is credited with starting the program. As the manager of the Birthing Center, she notes, "This program reminds people- staff included- that a hospital can also be a place of hope and promise." The brief few measures from the German composer Johannes Brahms' famous melody has already had a lasting effect on staff. Barbara Wilson, HR Generalist for 31 years at Nathan Littauer Hospital said she was elated to hear it explaining, "It was very uplifting and very nice to hear." It is the first time the hospital has announced a birth in this way. Priscilla Person, who works in Diagnostic Imaging was in a patient waiting room when the first lullaby was played. She reported that the patient broke into a huge smile when she explained what the song meant. She also added, "It gives you the best warmest feeling. I think it is great. "

The calming 20 seconds can be heard throughout the hospital hallways, lobbies, surgical units, laboratory, waiting rooms, cafeterias and patient rooms. When patients and visitors hear the lullaby, nearby staff explain the interruption. "I am thrilled that this has come to our facility. I think it reconnects everyone, both staff, patients and visitors, with our purpose of facilitating life changes that our patients transition through." stated Kathie Rohrs, RN a nurse at Littauer. She concluded, "It is truly a beautiful symbolic touch that will cause us all to self reflect. "

The system can be overridden in the event of an emergency and music will play from 7am to 7pm. And staff and patients will definitely know when twins are born - the music will play twice in succession.