Peterborough hospital pilots scheme to read to premature babies

The NICU at Peterborough hospital is a 20-bed unit caring for babies born from 27 weeks’ gestation.

Spearheading the introduction of Snuggle & Read are Helen Taylor, specialist neonatal counsellor, and Lucy Robertshaw, a neonatal occupational therapist – supported by the entire NICU team.

Ms Taylor said: “The donation of new books so far has been overwhelming, and parents will receive a library card and a record of the books they have read to their baby.

“However, if they prefer not to read a children’s book, they can of course bring in their own book and read that – it is their voice, the feeling of being relaxed and close to their baby that is important.”

Ms Robertshaw said: “Our need to communicate and experience our world is innate from the beginning; hearing, seeing and feeling our parents/carers solidifies early connections.

“Hence the title of our project ‘Snuggle & Read’, where we would like to not only encourage the reading but skin-to skin cuddles whilst reading for the overall sensory and physiological stability benefits of this co-occupation”.

Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon also has a collection or books and a library service in use at its own Special Care Baby Unit.