Sean (not his real name), a beautiful baby absolutely everybody falls in love with, has been in the Neonatal Care Unit of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center for a month. Aside from his medical condition, which requires intensive care, Sean is mainly lacking what most babies have in their first days of life - a mother's touch. Sean was abandoned by his mother, who used drugs throughout her pregnancy, and is currently being treated for withdrawal. The medical staff is dedicated to his care and, along with the staff, in four-hour shifts are cuddlers, mothers who are part of a special project called First Hug. They come to ensure that the emotional side is provided for in addition to the medical care, until a suitable adoptive family is found for Sean.
Anat Naveh, the social worker in the Newborn and Neonatal Care Department at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center said, "Two years ago we began working with First Hug, a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that is true to its name. It provides a substitute for babies who have been abandoned and need a mother's warm touch and love until they are adopted or another solution is found.
"Until that time," she said, "We hadn't actually needed the organization's services, as we very fortunately did not have babies who were abandoned and we needed to "raise" in the department. Two years ago, we had the first instance of a premature baby girl, whose mother made very clear that she would not be able to raise her. Since she was premature, she stayed in the department for some time, and we reached out to First Hug and received their wonderful services."
Each year, some 300 babies in Israel are abandoned by their parents for various reasons. With no other alternative available, these babies generally stay in the hospital for a lengthy period, without dedicated parental care. While the babies receive fine medical care, the emotional aspect of care may be neglected due to the staff's workload. This is where First Hug and its volunteers come in, providing the temporary parental substitute. By doing so, they help the baby heal and develop properly.
"Some studies have shown that the first three months of a baby's life are critical to their emotional wellbeing, their sense of security and development," stressed Yasmin Peretz, Head Nurse of the Neonatal Care Unit at Hillel Yaffe, who works with Anat Naveh and the Neonatal Care team to coordinate the arrival of First Hug's volunteers. "Since after birth, it was clear that Sean would need lengthy treatment for withdrawal, we contacted First Hug immediately, and they sent in their incredible volunteers."
Sean, who was given his temporary name by one of the nurses in the unit, has been there for about a month. During this time, he has received care for his special physical condition, but has also received especially warm hugs from First Hug mothers.
"I should note," said Anat Naveh, "that Sean's mother gave him up, because she does not think she can care for him in her condition. We put her in touch with the welfare authorities and hope that she will also be accepted into a rehabilitation program, but this is obviously her choice, in both cases."
"From a medical perspective," said Dr. Feldman, Director of the Newborn and Neonatal Care Department, "His condition has greatly improved since he was born and moved to the Neonatal Care Unit. He is undergoing a difficult process, but he's a real fighter, and aside from the dedicated medical care he receives, he's also getting outstanding emotional support - all of which mean he can look forward to a bright future as a completely normal child."
In the mean time, Dana Yaniv, a resident of Caesaria and mother of four, is sitting with Sean. She sings him songs, smiles at him and mainly cuddles him. In a few hours, someone will come to replace her and to continue cuddling him "around the clock." The HYMC staff also warmly embraces these mothers and hopes that Sean finds a warm and loving home, where he will get many equally warm hugs.
Dana in the Neonatal Care Unit with Sean
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