NICU Cuddler Program
The NICU Cuddler Program is designed to support the development and growth of neonates, by providing advanced volunteer “cuddlers” – who are hospital trained – to interact with premature babies during times when their parents can’t be with them at the hospital.
Every parent wants to be with their baby at all times, especially in the overwhelming environment of the NICU. However, babies may be in the NICU for as long as three months and with other children, jobs that they can’t leave for an extended time, etc. they can’t be there full time. Working and busy parents take great solace in the fact that if they can’t be at the hospital during daytime hours, NICU “cuddlers” are there to provide that “human touch” so desperately needed by all babies, especially those in the NICU.
The “cuddlers” provide therapeutic talk and touch – they don’t feed, change diapers or walk around with the babies. They simply hold them, read to them or quietly singing to them. It is required that the NICU “cuddlers” hold them for a minimum of 45 minutes up to four consecutive hours, providing the infant comfort and appropriate stimulation. The work the “cuddlers” do helps preemies grow faster, so they can go home to their families sooner.
The Benefits of Cuddling
Research has proven that the extra attention and care “cuddlers” show an infant - in between parental visits and physician and nurse rounds – leads to faster weight gain, shorter hospital stays and improved social, emotional and physical development. Also, the act of cuddling not only benefits the baby, but also the “cuddler.”
Human contact enhances every aspect of the preemie's development:
- Tactile stimulation – cuddling, massage, and human touch in general – helps improve weight gain
- Assists cuddled preemies in developing better cognitively
- Helps to meet the preemies social milestones closer to their actual age rather than their adjusted age by acquiring language, speech and hearing
- Builds trust among adult humans and promotes bonding
“Cuddling” also benefits the “cuddler.” The act of holding a baby releases endorphins in the brain that gives adults a sense of euphoria and helps them relax. It also benefits the NICU care team, because they see the baby getting the constant attention and support needed and improves their overall care experience.
NICU Cuddlers are Extensively Trained
NICU “cuddlers” have to go through extensive classroom and bedside training, beyond what is required of a volunteer. “Cuddlers” maintain strict hand washing, infection control and practices while in the NICU, and adhere to all hospital policies and confidentiality. Fill out the form below to get more information on the NICU "Cuddler" program.
