September is NICU Awareness Month

I am doing a NICU book drive for NICU families (most books are just $5). Reading to babies supports development, encourages bonding and lets NICU families, hopefully, feel a little less alone.

Ways you can donate books?

1.      Order books from my Amazon Wish List (you will need to be logged in to your Amazon account.)

2.      Send Funds to my Venmo @SavyJane

(100% of the funds will go towards books or shipping)

3.      Ship your new books (yes, they need to be new to donate) directly to my PO Box:

  6824 19th St W

PMB 415

University Place, WA 98466

Why do babies in the NICU need books?

It may seem a bit strange to read a book to an infant, but there are several benefits to reading to babies in the NICU.

1.      Developmental Advantages: Premature babies many challenges and are at higher risk for developmental delays including speech and language. There are studies proving how beneficial reading to babies in years to follow.

2.      Bonding: It can be very difficult to bond in the NICU and that is for both baby and the parents. Many parent cannot touch or hold the child at times and reading is an opportunity to connect. The NICU is very quiet and parents can feel awkward talking to a baby in an issolette, but reading a book is a great reason to talk to baby.

3.      Support: Receiving a book from a stranger (you) lets the NICU family know that someone cares. The NICU can feel scary and a simple gift like a baby book can represent hope.

4.      Keepsake: Despite every effort to make the baby’s space feel homey, the NICU is still a hospital and can feel cold. A baby book is a simple keepsake for the baby and family for discharge and beyond.

Once NICU Awareness month is over, I will be delivering books to NICUs and will blog all about.

For more information email me.