#141 Baby Talk: Stories, Songs and Support

In this HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing episode, host Noreen Turley talks to neonatal speech and language therapist and SPARK HSCP National Innovation Fellow, Deirdre Bradley, about how reading, talking and singing to babies from day one can shape their brains, support bonding and boost long‑term language and literacy. Drawing on powerful research and her 20 years’ experience in neonatal care, Deirdre explains how Baby Talk started in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and now offer supports and resources to all neonatal units with the support of HSE Spark Innovation, HSE library  and community library partners. Baby Talk is a simple idea transforming care for some of Ireland’s tiniest patients – premature and vulnerable babies in neonatal units. Listeners will hear moving stories of parents, grandparents and staff using books, baby-friendly “Tonie Boxes” and simple songs to comfort babies through long hospital stays and separation, while also easing parental anxiety and supporting mental health. Deirdre shares how this initiative, available to all neonatal units in Ireland, supports the brain and language development of premature and vulnerable babies by encouraging parents to read, sing, and talk to their little ones from the earliest days. From specially selected books and multilingual resources to voice-recording devices that keep families connected, Baby Talk is transforming neonatal care. Deidre also highlights practical, realistic tips that any parent or carer can start today, reading one short book to a baby demonstrates how everyday moments and familiar voices can add up to over a million words of language exposure before school.    Produced by GKMedia.ie