Poetry Reading Program for Premature Infants at Paris Hospital Aids Language Development

A volunteer poetry reading initiative at Robert Debré Hospital in Paris provides therapeutic benefits for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Since September, volunteer Mathilde Toulot visits every other Tuesday to read poems from her published collection 'À toi qui es là,' which features works by contemporary poets. The program serves approximately 30 fragile infants, many born prematurely, with readings that offer both mental stimulation and calming effects. Medical professionals note that rhythmic, melodic texts serve as precursors to language development, helping establish neural connections even in infants with immature organs. Speech therapist Adèle Boulanger emphasizes that parental reading, talking, or singing provides pain-relief benefits and supports future linguistic skills. The article describes specific cases including Waarys, born at 29 weeks weighing just over one kilogram, whose heart rate decreased during a reading session, and Curtis, born at five-and-a-half months who has received multiple readings. Parents receive gifted copies of the poetry collection with personalized dedications. The program aligns with international approaches like Finland's 'Lue Lapselle' (Read to the Child) initiative, which since 2022 has provided books to all newborns through government funding.