The NICU can be an overwhelming and challenging place to be. Amidst the clinical environment, filled with monitors and medical care, the simple act of reading to a precious baby takes on profound meaning.
“The NICU is so crowded and a hard place to be. Reading to my baby was a minute of intimacy that I really needed.”
“When I read to her, I had the impression I was really with her. She was in the middle of the room on a HIFI ventilator, with lots of action around her, and I couldn’t hold her, but I think I really calmed her when I read.”
“I would never have thought to read to such a young baby. I didn’t know what to say (when I first saw him) … the nurse told me I could read to him if I wanted to and gave me a book. I started to read and then the words came.”
Research shows many positive benefits from reading, for both premature and critically sick babies and their families, and we are pleased to support this by funding a library trolley for the NICU Book Club.
Pictured: Rosemary Escott, Nurse Manager, NICU