Page
1:
* Childrens Hospital NICU
* Donations
* Crazy for Garage Sales?
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2:
* Sharing Thanks
* Special Thanks
* Mile-A-Minute Quilt Days
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3:
* Kids
Rule!
* Thanks for the Donations
* Passport Pouch Fundraiser
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4:
* Delivering
Baby Items
* 5-Country Comparison on Volunteerism
* Magnolia Hill Connection
* Special Request for Knitters and Crocheters
* Springtime Blessings
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5:
* Help
Wanted
* Community Baby Shower
* Stain Removal Tips
* Stuffed Toy Tips
* Drawstring Gown Safety Tips
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6:
* Rochester
Work Group
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7:
* Metro
Area Work Groups
* Board Members
A Peek Into...
The Children’s Hospital NICU
First and of most importance, I want to thank each of you volunteers with a big hug and a loud THANK YOU! Each and every item donated to our unit is greatly appreciated.
A little
history of our NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Children’s Hospital
of St. Paul...we moved from the old St. Paul Children’s Hospital to our current
location in l979. Our unit holds about 45-50 newborns. Mostly these are newborns
born at United Hospital or transferred from outlying hospitals. Recently,
we even flew to Hancock, MI to pick up a sick newborn!
The average stay per baby is hard to determine. It depends on how ill they are and how prematurely they were born. Typically a newborn that is born at 30 weeks gestation (40 is term) will spend about 2-3 weeks with us.
Parents are definitely affected by their newborn’s illness and hospitalization. It separates the mother and infant, and in some cases, they are both in different hospitals. We encourage the parents to visit frequently and to ask questions. This way they are kept up to date about their infants and their care.
We also encourage parents to hold their baby. If they hold them skin-to-skin or what we call “kangaroo care” they can hold them for several hours because they stay warm next to their parents’ skin. This provides comfort for the infant and the parent.
Unfortunately, in our newborn intensive care unit, we have infants that die due to extreme illness or prematurity. This is when we use the burial gowns and small blankets and caps that you donate. I cannot tell you how appreciative the parents and staff are about these items. They are beautifully done in soft infant colors, which are very appropriate during this difficult time.
We, as nurses,
try to make this hospitalization time less difficult for parents. We photograph
the infants frequently, put your large quilts over the top of their isolettes,
and use the small crocheted or knitted ones over the babies in cribs. We allow
extended family to visit with the parents. We use tape recorders to play soft
music near the infants.
If the mom is still hospitalized in another hospital, we phone her daily with an update. We try to honor the parents’ requests, hoping to make this difficult time easier for them.
Again, thank you for all your time that you take to make all the beautifully donated items
--Article written by Pat Reinke,
Nurse at Children’s Hospital St. Paul
Donations that Thank and Honor
As you celebrate the birth of a healthy baby … fondly remember a loved one who has passed on … or struggle with selecting the right gift for the person who has everything, consider a donation to Bundles of Love in their name. Click HERE for our printable donation form.
We will be happy to send a card in recognition of your donation. Please include the name and address of the recipient on the donation form. Be sure to let us know what special event is being celebrated.
Are You Crazy for Garage Sales?
Just in case you need it, here’s another excuse to hit those garage sales – consider shopping for Bundles of Love and the families we serve.
Items such as good used clothing, toys, baby blankets, maternity clothing, yarn, fabric bolts and scraps, sheets (good for quiltmaking!), plastic canvases, embroidery thread and sewing supplies can all be used.
Even unfinished objects, such as crocheted or knitted afghan squares, are welcome.
Thank you for thinking of us when you’re out and about!
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