New lullaby to welcome a baby’s arrival

Prepare to hear something new in the halls of our hospitals: a lullaby, signaling each time a new baby is born at Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center or Nebraska Medicine-Bellevue.

Starting today, the tune makes its debut in the cafeteria and common areas of University Tower and Clarkson Tower and in the lobby of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The music also will be played at Nebraska Medicine-Bellevue for each new birth. The music is a short selection from the song “Charlie’s Lullaby,” composed by award-winning Omaha musician Matthew Mayer.

Listen to the full version of “Charlie’s Lullaby.”

Mayer will perform “Charlie’s Lullaby” and other songs from his children’s album, “Art,” at a 1 p.m. event today. Colleagues are invited to attend the performance, along with families who are staying in Labor and Delivery. The event will take place in the waiting area of Labor and Delivery (level four, University Tower). The celebration includes music and cake.

“We love the comforting sound of ‘Charlie’s Lullaby,'” said Megan Armbrust, nurse manager, Women and Infants Services. “Partnering with a talented artist who lives here in Omaha makes hearing that first lullaby an even more special experience for families. It’s truly local.”

The official premiere of “Charlie’s Lullaby” throughout the hospitals will coincide with the first birth after 2 p.m. today. That baby’s family will receive a special Nebraska Medicine gift basket, including a copy of Mayer’s “Art” CD.

“To have ‘Charlie’s Lullaby’ being played while a new life comes into this world is both an honor and such an amazing feeling to know this song will be the melody that welcomes these souls,” said Mayer, who wrote it for his own son. “Not much more that I could ask for as a musician.”