Hospitals Are In Need Of 'Baby Cuddlers' Because So Many Newborns Are Born Addicted To Opioids

Nov 12, 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.

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. Often, they just need to be relaxed and cuddled enough to fall back asleep. In many states such as California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, this volunteer work has become commonplace.

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One hospital, in particular, the University Hospital located in San Antonio, Texas, has been actively seeking out new people to cuddle the patients to help them with their influx of babies born while the mother was on drugs.

According to Kera News, these volunteers help ease the symptoms of these infants which include seizures, tremors, stiffness, sore muscles, and even GI problems or trouble breathing.

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.

But there aren’t enough volunteers to cover all of the children that need assistance. After the infants are tended to for a few weeks, their appearance and health seem to 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.

• University of Chicago Medicine
• The Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
• Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
• The Boston Medical Center
• Lily’s Place
• The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
• The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center
• Miller Children’s Hospital

These babies are born with a rough start and need some support to help them grow up and get healthy. Would you ever volunteer for this job?