SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sanford Health, a group of dedicated volunteers plays a vital role, offering comfort and care to the hospital’s tiniest patients. These compassionate volunteers engage in the heartwarming tasks of cradling, reading, and supporting new parents during their absence.
Premature infants, in particular, benefit from the tender care provided by these volunteers. The act of reading to these fragile newborns imparts the soothing sounds of human voices during their critical early days, as affirmed by the nursing staff overseeing these delicate infants.
For parents with infants in the NICU, these volunteers are a much-needed source of assistance. They step in when parents must briefly leave the hospital or require a few moments of respite. The presence of these caring individuals can make a significant difference during challenging times.
Karissa Meyer, a grateful mother with a child in the NICU, expressed her appreciation for these selfless volunteers, saying, “It’s so nice to have someone to be able to rock with him, read with him, just give some loving when the parents can’t be here. Like when I have to go home for the day. I didn’t feel good a couple of weeks ago. It was nice to have the volunteers around to cuddle him since I wasn’t here for that.”
Dakota News Now’s Photojournalist Dave Hauck delved deeper into the impact of these volunteers in the NICU ward. His comprehensive exploration of their invaluable contribution can be viewed in the video player above, offering a closer look at the heartwarming stories within Sanford NICU.
