Why it's important to read to premmie babies in NICU

Just like touch being a healing quality for premature babies in the NICU, so is hearing their parents voices. Reading to your baby can be a beautiful way to bond and connect, with the book becoming a treasured keepsake. For my first premmie baby, I read him The Hobbit. For my second premmie baby, we read the Laura Ingles Little House on the Prairie series. The nurses loved it!

When Tom was in hospital, my hands and voice shook too much most of the time to read, so his Daddy sang him songs and when he got to special care, I could muster enough nervous energy to crochet a rug and talk to him about the stories I was making up in my head. That's how the book, My Brother Tom, was written, by his side at the Mater Mothers Hospital.



Life's Little Treasures has an amazing in hospital reading program. You can find more details here:

http://www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au/prematurity/information-for-professionals/book-n-bubs-hospital-reading-program/

Just like it is never too early to start reading bedtime stories to a child, it is never to early to start reading to your premmie, when you feel you can. They love to hear your voice. You are making a difference by your presence, your voice and your touch.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss more.

Talk soon,
Michelle

www.michelleworthington.com

www.michelleworthington.com