If you like babies, and you like helping others, then, this is the perfect opportunity for you. You can be like an auntie or a grandparent to these babies that are trying to survive in many hospitals.
Sadly, these babies are drug addicts, and the thing that may help them is snuggling with some volunteers. Since drug addiction rates across the country are increasing, there are even more babies suffering from NAS or Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
While these babies were in the womb, they were exposed to drugs, so they need a lot of care in order to survive. So, people who would like to help them will be trained in cuddling.
As reported by CDC, since 2000 the incidence of NAS in the USA has increased by incredible 383%. This means that there are numerous babies that need care. Due to this, there are cuddle care programs established.
Besides helping the nurses, the volunteers bring hope to this apparently hopeless situation.
The Cuddle Care Programs
Since the substance abuse rates continued to increase, a nurse named Jane Cavanaugh just had to do something. So, Jane started a volunteering program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
According to Jane, the babies who are going through withdrawal have to be held and they need a human touch. The volunteers are trying to calm the babies who cannot calm themselves.
As reported by the vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer, McLaughlin, the program seems to be working because the babies who are cuddled need less medication and they can go home sooner.
McLaughlin says that cuddling helps the babies to cope with the symptoms. So, if you like babies and cuddling, then, there are centers in Texas, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and everywhere in between these states.
You can google the volunteer programs, and you may find some that are near you.
How is Cuddling Beneficial?
When it comes to cuddling and holding babies, there is never too much. According to studies, holding babies is very important for the development of their brains. In many hospitals and NICUs skin-to-skin contact has become very popular.
In Atlanta, there is a grandpa that cuddles babies when their parents or hospital staff cannot do that. This is a great opportunity, so if you can, go and help these babies.
The post You Can Volunteer To Cuddle Drug-Addicted Babies In Order To Help Them Heal appeared first on Gotta Do The Right Thing.