How “The Happy Song” Saved the Day!
The Power of Music
Sometimes, the most unexpected solutions can bring about the most remarkable outcomes. A couple weeks ago, I met a new mom at my support group whose baby was on a nursing strike. And then today… I had a client who was so angry… and then poof- mom put on her favorite song and it was all smiles.
If you’ve ever experienced a nursing strike, you know how deeply frustrating and emotionally taxing it can be. Her baby had decided that bottles were the only acceptable option, leaving mom feeling defeated and discouraged. Nursing strikes are tough. They often pop up out of nowhere and can happen for various reasons—teething, developmental changes, illness, or even a little baby rebellion that no one can quite explain.
This mom tried it all: skin-to-skin contact, different nursing positions, and a super-patient approach. But every time she offered the breast, her baby cried in protest. The bottle remained the go-to.
During group, the mom shared about this song- which I had never heard of. She said no matter what, when The Happy Song by Imogen Heap came on, her baby stoped crying. If you haven’t heard it, it’s a delightful little tune created specifically to make babies happy. With its playful melody, soothing rhythm, and Imogen’s airy voice, it’s scientifically designed to spark joy in little ones.
In a moment of inspiration, she decided to play it while offering her breast. And that’s when I got the text! Her baby latched! Not only that, but with every feeding session that followed, The Happy Song became their magic breastfeeding soundtrack. Now, her baby is back to breastfeeding 100% of the time.
Why Might This Work?
Babies are incredibly attuned to their sensory environment. A song they love can be a powerful cue of safety, familiarity, and calm. Here’s what might have happened:
Positive Association: Babies often associate feeding with comfort. By pairing a favorite song with breastfeeding, the baby may have felt soothed enough to overcome the strike.
Rhythmic Regulation: Music with a predictable beat can regulate the nervous system, calming both mom and baby. This creates the perfect conditions for latching.
Distracting the Brain: Sometimes, nursing strikes stem from stress or overstimulation. A familiar song might distract the baby from whatever was causing the resistance, allowing them to focus on the feeding.
Mom’s Relaxation: Let’s not underestimate the power of mom’s vibe! Listening to a cheerful, familiar song likely helped her relax, which is critical when trying to nurse a hesitant baby.
What Can We Learn From This?
First, babies are wonderfully unique, and sometimes it takes thinking outside the box to meet them where they are. Second, The Happy Song is now officially on my list of recommendations for parents facing nursing challenges (and for my kids- it totally works you guys). Third, music is a more powerful parenting tool than we sometimes give it credit for.
If you’re navigating a nursing strike or breastfeeding hurdle, take a page from this mom’s playbook. Find a song your baby loves and see if it helps. And if it doesn’t, know that there are so many other tools and strategies to try.
You’re not alone in this journey, and sometimes the solution is just one creative moment away.
Have you had a similar experience? Or do you have a go-to song that works magic for your baby? Share your stories—I’d love to hear them!
Love, Emily 💕
