Hugging is Healing
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Jessica Naber
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Working in a NICU, everyone is under stress to keep the smallest and sickest of newborns alive. Although they need the machines and equipment, low-tech cuddling, or hugging, also plays a major role in helping these babies survive, and even thrive later in life. The concept of human contact tends to be overlooked in hospitals. Although the need for touch is extremely important in general, it is especially important for babies born prematurely or addicted to drugs, or both. For example, babies born earlier than 28 weeks or below 1000 grams will be hospitalized at least 2-3 months in order to grow. While these babies are hospitalized, they are exposed to many sounds, lights, and external stimuli, not normally things that are experienced in utero. This can often lead to problems with organization of motor function. The therapeutic touch is something that is calming and helps focus their attention, decrease motor activity, and embrace the sound to a human voice. The weight gain and social and mental development of the cuddled babies give testimony to the effectiveness of human attention.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
Senior Nursing Poster Session
Hugging is Healing
Working in a NICU, everyone is under stress to keep the smallest and sickest of newborns alive. Although they need the machines and equipment, low-tech cuddling, or hugging, also plays a major role in helping these babies survive, and even thrive later in life. The concept of human contact tends to be overlooked in hospitals. Although the need for touch is extremely important in general, it is especially important for babies born prematurely or addicted to drugs, or both. For example, babies born earlier than 28 weeks or below 1000 grams will be hospitalized at least 2-3 months in order to grow. While these babies are hospitalized, they are exposed to many sounds, lights, and external stimuli, not normally things that are experienced in utero. This can often lead to problems with organization of motor function. The therapeutic touch is something that is calming and helps focus their attention, decrease motor activity, and embrace the sound to a human voice. The weight gain and social and mental development of the cuddled babies give testimony to the effectiveness of human attention.