Christiana Care Health System has long been recognized for its commitment to exceptional patient care. A heartwarming example of this dedication is the Christiana Care Volunteer Program, specifically its Cuddler Program. This initiative, celebrating its anniversary after a successful first year in 2015, showcases the profound impact of human connection on the most vulnerable patients: babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Continuing Care Nursery. These littlest patients benefit immensely from the tenderness and time offered by devoted volunteers, especially when their parents face the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities and cannot always be present at the hospital.
Medical professionals at Christiana Care emphasize the critical need for love and touch in infant development. Dr. Carlos Duran, chair of the NICU Patient and Family Centered Care Team, highlights the scientific basis for this, stating, “Babies need love and touch to thrive. Babies who are held more often sleep better, cry less and grow more.” He further explains that “numerous studies show that the peaceful, loving interaction of cuddling leads to healthy weight gain and earlier discharge home.” This is particularly vital for NICU infants who are exposed to a multitude of stressful stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, medical tubes, and procedures. Cuddling also offers crucial comfort to babies experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms.
While the spirit of volunteer baby cuddling has existed at Christiana Care for many years, the formal Cuddlers Program was launched in October 2014 to provide structure and comprehensive training. Since its inception, 33 volunteers have undergone thorough classroom instruction and hands-on training. This rigorous preparation ensures they understand the delicate nature of premature infants and are equipped to provide appropriate and safe care.
Pam Green, manager of the Pediatric Therapy Team, is responsible for overseeing this essential training program. She explains the program’s approach: “Premature babies can easily become overwhelmed. Our therapists use a well-rounded approach to educate our cuddlers and help them recognize the cues that will ensure these babies receive the right manner and frequency of stimulation and comfort.” This careful training underscores Christiana Care’s commitment to both the babies’ well-being and the volunteers’ preparedness.
Volunteers and Christiana Care Staff Celebrate Cuddler Program Anniversary
Celebrating the Christiana Care Cuddler Program’s first anniversary are key figures including Pam Green, manager of the Pediatric Therapy team, and Dr. Carlos Duran, chair of the NICU Patient and Family Centered Care team, alongside dedicated volunteers and hospital leadership.
The impact of the Christiana Care volunteer cuddlers extends to the nursing staff as well. Susan Foster, NICU nurse manager, notes, “Cuddlers provide a human touch and warmth when parents aren’t able to be at the bedside. This gives our staff more time to work toward the exceptional experience we want for all of our patients. The relationship between the nurses and the cuddlers has truly grown into one of mutual respect and appreciation.” This collaborative environment enhances the overall care provided in the NICU.
In its first year alone, Christiana Care cuddlers dedicated over 800 hours, providing comfort to nearly 1,000 babies. Volunteers like Jean Kunkel, who has been cuddling babies at Christiana Hospital for 17 years, exemplify the long-term dedication of individuals involved in the program. Jean poignantly shares, “I just want to be there for the babies who might need someone. I know we’re helping the babies and their families, and the nurses as well, but I feel like I’m the lucky one.”
Shirley Hills, another long-time volunteer and chair of Christiana Care’s Junior Board Maternity Committee, echoes this sentiment, describing the peacefulness and joy of “holding these precious little ones and singing to them softly. The rest of the world simply goes away.” Gretchen Fitzgerald, a new cuddler that year but a long-time volunteer, adds, “We’re the winners. You can never hold these little miracles too much. It’s an absolute joy.”
Shawn R. Smith, vice president, Patient Experience, emphasizes the profound connections formed through the program: “The connections made are so powerful. Our cuddlers provide not only comfort, but love to each one of these babies. It’s something that cannot be measured, and it truly defines The Christiana Care Way.”
Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy, director of Visitor and Volunteer Services at Christiana Care, expressed deep gratitude at the anniversary celebration, acknowledging Dr. Duran’s championing of the Cuddlers Program and, most importantly, the volunteers themselves. She poignantly stated, “Never underestimate the healing power of touch. Because of you — neighbors helping our tiniest neighbors — these babies are receiving the extra love and compassion they need to flourish. We are so very grateful for all that you do.”
If you are interested in making a tangible difference in the lives of newborns and becoming a Christiana Care volunteer, specifically a cuddler, you are encouraged to reach out. To learn more about joining the Christiana Care Volunteer Program and the rewarding Cuddler Program, please call 302-733-1284. Your time and compassion can bring immense comfort and contribute significantly to the well-being of these precious babies.
