Looking at Miles today, I frequently think back and remember the first day he entered our lives. The emotions were more overwhelming than anything I’ve ever been through. After almost 8 hours of labour, Miles was finally in our arms. They say that it’s an indescribable feeling when you become a parent and hold you child for the first time – I can attest to this. Luckily for us, even though he was a week early, Miles was healthy. After 48 hours, we were able to leave the hospital with him by our side, and I couldn’t imagine not being able to take him home with us that day or to have to watch him stay in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). As a new parent, I can only imagine the stress one might have about the well-being of their little one when this happens.
For me, being a Huggies Ambassador has taught me so much about Huggies’ No Baby Unhugged program and why it’s so important. I have seen the importance and benefits of skin-to-skin care and hugs first hand, and how this bond between a baby and mother is unique and precious throughout their care. For babies in the NICU unit this is especially true.
Imagine how it would feel for a little one getting the warmth and touch of a mother, sibling, or really any other human being, when they may be confined to the NICU for the beginning of their life? The facilitation of the No Baby Unhugged Program in hospitals provides this physical comfort to babies in the NICU when parents can’t be there. Volunteers cuddle, rock, sing and hug NICU babies in need because medical studies are proving that human touch and hugs can sometimes be the best medicine.
Miles is just starting to understand things like kisses and hugs and gives them to us when we ask, and I couldn’t imagine not being able to give him hugs whenever I want to. Every baby deserves human touch to thrive and help with other developmental benefits like faster weight gain, more stable heart rate and less stress and anxiety. To all the volunteers who commit their time in helping babies in their toughest times, you are doing wonders!
Visit www.nobabyunhugged.ca to learn more about the program.
