Debra Nelson vividly recalls her first encounter with a volunteer who moved through the hospital nursery, offering solace to newborns, including her own first child. As she watched this compassionate act, she whispered to herself, “When I grow up, that’s what I want to do.”
Decades later, after retiring from a 38-year career, Nelson embarked on a mission to fulfill that childhood dream. Encouraged by her sister, a member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham community, Nelson ventured into the UAB Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Continuing Care Nursery’s cuddler volunteer program. Her enthusiasm for this role was palpable.
“I cherished every moment of it. Whether it was changing their diapers, dressing them, or cradling them to sleep, I wanted to care for every baby on the unit,” Nelson affirmed.
Her dedication persisted until March 2020 when the program was halted due to COVID-19 safety measures. Yet, she couldn’t let go of her yearning to return to her “babies.” In 2023, the awaited call finally came—the cuddler program was making its comeback.
“I felt like I had won the lottery when they called and asked if I’d like to rejoin the program. I received the call in January, and by February, I was back on the floor,” Nelson recounted. “Being back in my favorite place, offering care and support to these babies and their families, meant the world to me.”
The UAB Medicine’s Neonatal Helping Hands program, formerly known as the cuddler program, recognizes the pivotal role of physical touch, including cuddling, in infant development. Volunteers in this program have the privilege of holding, rocking, talking to, singing to, and reading to infants in the RNICU and CCN.
Sandra Milstead, family nurse liaison in the UAB Women and Infants Center, emphasized the significance of reviving the program. “Bringing the program back was crucial for our infants, their families, and our staff. Volunteers provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that their babies are cradled and nurtured in their absence. They also serve as invaluable support for our nursing staff.”
Desiray Colunga, a first-time mom whose son, Mario, was admitted to the CCN, expressed gratitude for volunteers like Debra Nelson. “When I met Debra, I knew this role was what she was meant to do. It means a lot knowing that Debra and other volunteers are here when we cannot be.”
Most infants in the RNICU and CCN require specialized care, often being premature and connected to various medical devices. Volunteers undergo rigorous training to learn how to handle these delicate infants with the utmost care.
Nelson highlighted the qualities essential for the role: “This job demands dedication, patience, kindness, and a deep love for babies. Since parents cannot always be present, it’s our duty to step in and ensure that all our babies receive love and care.”
