Lifestyle
You Can Volunteer to Cuddle Babies Experiencing Drug Withdrawals
by Amelia Carter
June 4, 2016
A volunteer cuddle program is making a significant difference for newborns battling withdrawal symptoms from drugs, particularly opioids. This initiative helps infants cope more effectively with their discomfort, requiring less medication and enabling them to recover more swiftly. The program offers vital support to the youngest victims of the opioid crisis in America.
These newborns are affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome, which manifests as a range of withdrawal symptoms from substances like heroin and other opioids. According to reports, these little ones endure painful experiences such as muscle rigidity, tremors, skin irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Additionally, they often cry more intensely than typical infants and display heightened irritability. Thankfully, the love and care provided by volunteers through cuddling show remarkable results.
At Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh, staff shared that babies involved in the Cuddler Program require less medication typically prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms. They also tend to be discharged sooner. “Cuddling helps them navigate these symptoms,” stated Jenna Thompson, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at Magee. “These infants are very sensitive and difficult to soothe. The key is swaddling them and providing that nurturing, secure feeling.”
The need for such programs is urgent, especially as America grapples with a serious opioid addiction crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that drug overdoses claimed more lives in 2014 than any previous year, with over 60% of those cases involving opioids. The statistics reveal a grim reality: approximately 78 Americans succumb to opioid overdoses each day. While heroin is widely recognized, prescription painkillers are often the main culprits behind addiction and overdoses. “Since 1999, deaths linked to prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, have quadrupled,” the CDC noted.
In Pittsburgh, these figures resonate deeply with both hospital staff and volunteers. The cuddle program was established a decade ago in response to the increasing number of infants born addicted to opioids. Today, the hospital sees five to seven infants experiencing withdrawal symptoms daily. The benefits of the program are tangible; for instance, Laura Hayes, a volunteer cuddler for four years, has formed lasting connections with some of the babies she has cared for. “One child I cuddled has grown into a beautiful little girl, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to witness her journey,” she shared.
While the hospital personnel and volunteers cannot solve the opioid crisis, they are undeniably improving the lives of those affected, especially the innocent infants who never had a choice. “Perhaps the comfort we provide helps to foster a stronger, happier person in the future,” Hayes explained. “That’s a wonderful gift to give.”
Although there is a waiting list, individuals interested in joining the Cuddle Program at Magee-Womens are encouraged to apply. For more insights on related topics, check out our post on home insemination kits at intracervicalinsemination.com. For top-notch information regarding pregnancy and home insemination, visit MedlinePlus. If you’re looking for authoritative resources on self-insemination, Make A Mom has excellent options.
In summary, the volunteer cuddle program not only aids infants suffering from withdrawal but also highlights the importance of community support in addressing the opioid crisis. Through their efforts, volunteers provide comfort and care to those who need it most, fostering hope for a brighter future.