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You Can Volunteer to Cuddle Babies Experiencing Drug Withdrawals
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Cuddle Program Aids Newborns Battling Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
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Have you ever thought about snuggling some of the tiniest victims of America’s opioid crisis? A volunteer cuddle program designed for newborns dealing with drug withdrawal is making waves, helping these little ones recover more quickly and with less medication.
The Cuddler Program at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh is a beacon of hope for infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition marked by withdrawal symptoms from opioids like heroin. These babies face a tough start, experiencing muscle tightness, tremors, irritability, and more. But thanks to caring volunteers, they’re finding comfort in cuddles from strangers.
Maribeth McLintock, the chief nursing officer at the hospital, explains that the program has a remarkable impact: infants participating in it often require less medication and are discharged from the hospital sooner. “Cuddling helps them manage these symptoms,” she notes. “They’re often quite irritable and can be difficult to console, so swaddling them and providing that sense of security is key.”
With the opioid epidemic wreaking havoc across the nation, the need for such initiatives is urgent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that drug overdoses claimed more lives in 2014 than any previous year, with opioids accounting for over 60% of those deaths. Daily, around 78 Americans succumb to opioid overdoses, a staggering statistic that highlights the gravity of the crisis.
This cuddle program was established a decade ago when the hospital noticed a surge in babies born addicted to opioids. Currently, they see five to seven infants undergoing withdrawal each day. Nancy Adams, a volunteer cuddler for four years, shares her joy at seeing the transformation in one of the infants she cuddled, who is now thriving with her adoptive family. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness her growth,” she expresses.
While these volunteers can’t solve the opioid epidemic, they’re certainly making a difference in the lives of babies who didn’t choose this life. “Cuddling may give them a little comfort, and perhaps help them become stronger, happier individuals,” Adams says. There’s a waiting list to join the Cuddle Program, so if you’re interested, consider signing up.
For more heartwarming stories and insights, don’t forget to check out our other blog posts like this one about home insemination kits. And if you’re curious about fertility options, Make A Mom is an excellent resource. For additional information on pregnancy and fertility, the CDC offers a wealth of knowledge.
Summary
In a heartwarming initiative, the Cuddler Program at Magee-Womens Hospital helps newborns suffering from opioid withdrawal by providing them with the comfort of cuddling. This program not only reduces the need for medication but also shortens hospital stays for the infants. As the opioid epidemic continues to impact many lives, volunteers are making a meaningful difference in the lives of these vulnerable babies.