April 11, 2011

Every year thousands of babies are born prematurely in the Commonwealth. Many are forced to spend their first days, weeks, and even months inside of the intensive care unit at the University of Virginia Medical Center. The Cuddler Program works to ensure each infant receives the tender loving care that they need.

"They're tiny humans, who arrived just a little ahead of schedule," said Marion Ewald, a cuddler volunteer. "You look at these little children right out of the gate that have such struggles and they're such little fighters, it's just nice to be able to comfort them."

Ewald has worked with the Baby Cuddler Program, within the NICU at the UVa Medical Center for two years. She says she is glad to help out where she can.

"Yesterday I was running late, feeling a little tired, one of the cuddlers was holding him and keeping him calm until I could feed him," said Caroline Davidson, the mother of six-month old James. "It is such a wonderful thing to have them here."

There are about a dozen cuddler volunteers. At times there can be up to 50 babies in the NICU, so hospital staff say the volunteers are greatly appreciated.

Research shows human interaction simulates, calms and comforts the young infants as they fight to get stronger and healthier each day.

"Traditionally, this has sort of been a nurse's role but the care of these babies has become so complicated and so involved that the nursing care doesn't always have time to sit down and hold a baby for an hour or two," said Doctor Robert Boyle, a Pediatrician in the NICU. "This provides that function."