Hospital Volunteers Cuddle Babies Going Through Withdrawal To Help Their Symptoms

Nov 25, 2019 by apost team

The opioid addiction problem in the United States has spread to the point where it is affecting the next generation: Babies of addicts are now being born every fifteen minutes according to a new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Just like their parents, babies can suffer from intense withdrawal symptoms and need to be taken care of at the hospital. For these children, neonatal ICUs are adapting to the need, and are now seeking volunteers to cuddle the little babies during their time of horrific withdrawal.

Those who choose to snuggle these babies give the infants the love and affection they desperately need to get them through their withdrawal symptoms. In many states such as Illinois, and Pennsylvania, this volunteer work has become commonplace.

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Interested in becoming a cuddler? Some of the qualities hospitals look for in volunteers include being comfortable holding a newborn (or an interest in learning to be), empathy, compassion, good interpersonal skills and having a health and immunization clearance, according to this pediatrician's report on Serenity Children. 

As stated in a further report by Standford Children's Health some of the symptoms a baby in withdrawal might endure include seizures, tremors, stiffness, sore muscles, trouble breathing and more.

These helpless infants often let out a high-pitched cry that is easily identified as part of their withdrawal, and it’s heartbreaking to know that these babies are unsure about why they are in so much pain.

After the infants are looked after, their health is likely to drastically improve. Check out a local hospital near you or refer to the list below for volunteer opportunities if you wish to help an infant in need.

These babies are born with a difficult start and need love and support. Would you ever volunteer for this job? Pass on to any friends or family members that may be interested in helping these vulnerable newborns.