Cuddling Care: Windsor hospital brings hugging program to neonatal unit

The Windsor Regional Hospital is using hugs to help care for infants in the neonatal unit.

A new program called Cuddling Care calls on doctors, nursing staff and volunteers to hold and hug babies too sick or small to leave the hospital.

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"Just rocking an infant in your arms, singing softly and cuddling them with warmth and tenderness goes a long way in nurturing the child during early stages of life," said Deb Parent, director of Women's and Children's Services at WRH. 

The hospital is looking for volunteer cuddlers to help hold babies when their parents are not present. Before being approved, each volunteer will complete health screening, police background check, interviews and a training session.

According to the hospital, there are health benefits to hugging. Cuddling has been shown to be particularly helpful for babies born suffering from Opiod withdrawal, as the mom using illegal or prescription drugs while pregnant.

Gisele Seguin, who speaks for Windsor Regional, said about 20 per cent of the babies admitted to the neonatal unit have problems with addictions when they are born.

Cuddling can also help settle premature babies who can be irritable when they first come to the neonatal unit.