Parents finding themselves in a neonatal unit is often unexpected. It’s natural for families to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are ways for parents to cope. Parents can be involved in their newborn’s care through kangaroo mother care (skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding) and parental shared book reading in the NICU.
Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that kangaroo mother care, started immediately after a preterm baby is born, significantly improves the chances of survival.
Reading to babies in the NICU also benefits infants and parents. Research shows that reading stories aloud not only develops the bond between parent and child but also reduces parental stress, soothes babies, and also promotes brain development and language skills.
This is why Dr. Daphna Yasova Barneau at the NICU in Florida has taken initiative and made the process easier for families. There is a bookshelf that serves as a library for the unit so that parents can easily grab a book to read to their babies and share a beautiful soothing bond.
When there are enough books available in the unit, books are given to parents and caretakers in parent groups. Dr. Daphna Yasova Barbeau says, “reading in the NICU changes outcomes!”
If you would like to donate new or slightly used/damaged books, please send them to the address below. We would love to get your books into parents’ hands at the NICU.
Book Mailing Address:
University Hospital, NICU, 3rd floor 3476 S University Drive Davie, Fl 33328
Books fly off the shelf, so donations are gladly appreciated.
Suggested Books:
1. The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Emily Winfield-Martin
This inspirational story is about the unconditional love that parents feel for their children no matter what they become in life.
2. Guess How Much I Love You – Sam McBratney
“Sometimes, when you love someone very, very much, you want to find a way of describing how much you treasure them. But, as Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover, love is not always an easy thing to measure. The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares’ efforts to express their love for each other has become a publishing phenomenon.”
This book is a fun story with a lot of heart and will bring families closer.
4. Good Things Come In Small Packages: I Was A Preemie
“This is a delightful story of one little person’s journey of realization as he discovers his difficult beginnings and the real meaning of love.”
Angy's Books 