Books for NICU Babies Program

Books for Babies is a wonderful idea to let NICU parents at the University of Missouri's Children's Hospital do something with their baby that lets them feel like a normal parent--read their newborn a book.

The program is the brainchild of neonatologist and former Health Sciences Center fellow Colleen Rose, MD. Books for Babies provides parents with free storybooks to read to their hospitalized infants. The cost is a mere $3 book for the ability to help NICU parents give their babies the love they need to thrive and grow.

Babies recognize their parents voices. These voices can be a great source of comfort. Reading to NICU babies has been show to have a positive effect--improving oxygen uptake and making the heartbeat more regular.

A Chance to Focus on Being a Parent
Judy Bildner, NICU case manager and a coordinator of the Books for Babies Program at Children's Hospital talks about the unique benefits of the program:

This is a program helps parents bond with their babies and helps them focus on something else besides drugs, monitors and ventilators.

An Opportunity to Improve Development
Elizabeth James, MD, chief of neonatology at the Health Sciences Center, praises for the program developed by Dr. Rose's friend and former teacher.

It involves parents in doing something for their children that is helpful. And we know from the literature that kids who are read to develop better.

For More Information:
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Adopts Book Program. University of Missouri Health Care. See Books for Babies at the University of Missouri Health System website.