I've raised £600 to provide a book to each of the 60 sick and premature babies admitted to the Neonatal Unit in the Liverpool Women's Hospital and Alder Hey.
Organised by Christina Taylor
Story
Books for premature and poorly babies.
Liverpool Women's and Alder Hey Children's hospital support and provide specialist, medical and surgical care to babies who are born prematurely and with health problems from all around the country.
When our precious little ones enter the world it can be a stressful and worrying time. It can take a while to adjust to life with the new addition. Families whose babies come early and may have difficulties or problems with their health, suffer from this stress even more.
When babies enter the world suddenly and unexpectedly it can be a emotional roller coaster for their parents, families and carers. So much is unknown and it can be really tricky for families to bond with their babies; especially if they are in intensive care. Research has shown that these perinatal experiences can result in psychological distress for family members and the babies themselves and have a negative impact on their mental health.
In fact, 80 per cent of parents whose babies were admitted into neonatal care think that their mental health suffered after their experience. Bliss.org.uk
Sometimes these issues can last way in to the babies' first year and beyond.
This fundraiser is designed to raise money to purchase books for every baby that is admitted to these units. Reading to the babies is a fantastic way for families to bond with their babies and has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in what can be a worrying time for all concerned. Books provide a tool for carers to spend quality time with their little one; the stories allows the baby to connect with the carers voice without them having to worry if they are saying the right thing, for example. Research has shown that this simple activity can have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of carers and their babies.
If you have been affected by any of the issues described in this story, know someone who has or indeed have had a child who has been supported by these organisations - please consider making a donation to this cause to help us get books into the hands of these families. Every donation no matter how small will have an impact and Usborne Books at Home will be making a donation to the charity in accordance with the quantity that is raised.
Thanks so much for your support.
Christina
