NICU Volunteer Cuddlers
Parents are a very important part of the care team. We encourage you to hold, rock, and care for your baby.
Benefits of being cuddled
There are many benefits for your baby to have personal contact and being held. The benefits include:
- Comfort and security of being held.
- Reduced stress.
- Social and emotional development.
- Improved overall development and well-being.
- Reduced length of hospital stay.
When you take a break or are not available, the NICU Volunteer Cuddlers assist with this very important part of your baby’s care - cuddling!
Who are NICU Volunteer Cuddlers?
The NICU Volunteer Cuddler is an adult who has experience with babies and values the importance of extra nurturing and gentle touch. They are required to complete a Volunteer NICU Training Program, have a current Criminal Record Check, and a Vulnerable Sector Check.
What does the Cuddler do?
The NICU Volunteer Cuddler may hold and rock your baby and provide your baby stimulus with sights, sounds, and touch. The Volunteer Cuddler will not feed or change your baby’s diapers. They are not given confidential information about your baby or your family.
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital- participates in the “No Baby Unhugged program” sponsored by Huggies.
This sponsorship helps to expand volunteer coverage to offer more hugging within the NICU, orientate volunteers and purchase equipment and materials such as whiteboards for the patient rooms, smocks, and soothing aides like sound machines.
To volunteer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority please go to this link. More information regarding volunteering and the application form for each area is listed.