By SALLY BELL
Staff writer
UPMC Northwest is looking for a few good “cuddlers.”
The hospital has in place a volunteer cuddling program for infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, said Cheri Siverling, a nurse and director of the hospital’s Family Birthing Center.
A core group of about five volunteers rounds out the hospital’s dedicated cuddlers. UPMC is hoping to attract about five more people to volunteer, Siverling said.
At a recent meeting of the Venango County Drug Overdose Task Force, group members said they wanted to work with the hospital to address the growing problem of drug-addicted infants, perhaps creating a cuddling program.
The hospital has, in fact, had a cuddling program in place since 2010, Siverling said.
“Having that knowledge now, we want to work to promote it,” said Michelle McGee, community service officer for Franklin state police and a task force member.
Interested cuddlers must go through the hospital’s human resources department, Siverling went on to say. That department can be accessed by calling the hospital’s main number, 676-7600, and requesting HR.
Volunteers must obtain clearances and undergo an orientation to the birthing unit, Siverling said. They must also be over the age of 21.
Cuddlers may volunteer as much time per month as they wish, Siverling said. Infants with NAS go through withdrawal symptoms just like an adult and they need extra holding and soothing.
Volunteers will learn how to swaddle the babies and may have opportunities to feed and change diapers, Siverling said.
The hospital provides a dimly lit room away from external stimuli for cuddlers to hold, rock and hum to the infants, Siverling said.
NAS occurs when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb. Drugs such as heroin and other opioid painkillers as well as the drugs used to treat opiate addiction are commonly seen.
These infants cry inconsolably and can have tremors and refuse to eat, among other symptoms.
“They don’t want that stimulation,” Siverling said. “They withdraw.”
Cuddling is a nonpharmaceutical approach that has been shown to help manage these symptoms in infants with NAS.
Recent statistics say that the number of babies born addicted to drugs at UPMC Northwest has nearly doubled since 2012.
Siverling went on to say that while the hospital is seeking only five additional volunteers, a wait list could be drawn up for interested cuddlers.
