Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has launched a Newborn Cuddle Program within its Women & Children’s Program, bringing trained volunteers to provide comfort, nurturing touch and companionship to newborns during their hospital stay.
The program was established to support newborns who may spend extended periods in hospital and whose parents or families are not always able to be at their bedside. Through comforting human touch and interaction, volunteer cuddlers provide an additional source of emotional support while complementing the care provided by parents, families and the health care team.
“Bringing the Newborn Cuddle Program to CKHA is a wonderful opportunity to provide our youngest patients with an additional source of comfort and connection during their hospital stay,” said Jessica Johnston, Clinical Manager of the Women & Children’s Program at CKHA. “We know how important nurturing touch and human connection can be for newborns, and our volunteers will play a meaningful role in helping babies feel safe, supported and comforted when their families are unable to be at the bedside. We’re so excited to welcome our Cuddle Program volunteers and offer this additional support to our babies, families and care team.”
Research has shown that positive, nurturing touch can support infant development and well-being, including helping babies regulate stress, sleep and physiological responses, with comforting interactions providing an important sense of security and connection for newborns in hospital.
“Volunteering as a Newborn Cuddle Program volunteer is a way to make a difference in the life of a newborn and their family,” said Kathryn Kielstra, Volunteer Resources Specialist at CKHA. “Our volunteers have the opportunity to provide comfort and connection during a time when families may be facing uncertainty or spending time away from the hospital. We are excited to welcome volunteers into this special role and see the positive impact they can have on our youngest patients.”
Volunteers are specially screened and trained before participating, including orientation and training related to infant safety, infection prevention and confidentiality, and work under the direction of the health care team. The health care team identifies newborns who may benefit from the program, with parents or guardians informed and asked to provide consent before their child participates.
More information about the Women and Children’s Program at CKHA is available at ckha.on.ca.
