This is a subject close to my heart. We have had 2 very tiny premies and 1 tiny premie born in our family, and you don't think of clothing these tiny bubs until one is born into your family. My niece. who is now 34 years old was 1lb 4oz and born at 26 weeks. that many years ago she remained in a humidy crib until she was 4 months old and even at that age was so very small.
She herself had a premie babe and he was only 960 grams and born at 27 weeks. The difference in the care and treatment between the two was something to see and be amazed by.
But because of the 'bringing on' of the premies today, there is a need for the tiny clothing for them, especially the bonnets or beenies and it is a huge thank you to the ladies like the ones in this article from Frederick MD USA.
I hope you enjoy the read and if there is a group in your area who would like to get involved with something like this, the premie nurseries at the hospitals could put you in touch with those who would like to take advantage of your help.
When a premie babe is born it is a traumatic time for the parents and they can do with all the support and help that is available to them and it is very rewarding to be on the giving end.
Enjoy the article and I'll catch you later.
Carmel
Sew More For U
Sewing
FREDERICK — No parent plans to have a premature baby. An early baby catches parents off-guard, and, in many cases, they haven't thought of clothing that fits the tiny infant.
That's when the Good Samaritans at Homewood at Crumland Farms come in.
Ladies of the weekly craft and knitting class at Homewood meet once a week to make hats, blankets, burial gowns and other items needed for the nurseries and children's departments at Frederick Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital and other hospitals around the country.
Some of the items are so small they fit in the palm of the hand. Other items must fit infants two pounds and larger.
Recently the Homewood ladies decided to add quilts to their list of offerings. They work in collaboration with Care Wear Volunteers, a national nonprofit organization based in Frederick.
Founded by Bonnie Hagerman, who leads the quilting project, Care Wear recruits volunteers to knit, crochet and sew apparel such as hats, booties, kimonos, diaper shirts, toys and burial garments for premature and low birth weight infants across the United States.
"In (a) special care nursery, sometimes the quilts add a little color in a sterile, intense atmosphere, and garments aren't readily available for tiny infants," Ms. Hagerman said.
For the ladies at Homewood, their work is a labor of love.
Edith Horst said she likes seeing the completed project.
The ladies make other items as well, including huggable dolls. FMH gives a toy to each child in the emergency room.
FMH says the dolls calm and distract the youngsters, making it easier to administer medication, Ms. Hagerman said. At Johns Hopkins, specially made dolls are used to show kids what part of their body will be treated, Ms. Hagerman said.
The ladies at Homewood began using their sewing skills to make lap robes for Homewood's Alzheimer's and health units. Then they added prayer shawls for the Homewood minister to give to sick people. They make wreaths, scarfs, Christmas decorations, doll clowns and other craft items that the Homewood resident association and auxiliary sell at fairs and bazaars.
"It's a pretty worthwhile thing to do, and you enjoy good companionship while you're working," Ms. Horst said.
Julie Norris, Homewood activities director, said, "We take advantage of all the talents we have -- knitting, sewing, crocheting."
Ms. Norris credited Mary Kay Huber-Leslie for organizing the sewing class, which represents only one of many activities for Homewood's 300 residents.
"We provide activities for all levels," Ms. Norris said. Activities are modified to suit the patient, she said.
Other activities include trips to the nation's capital, dinner theaters, Bible studies and socials.Sewing
No comments:
Post a Comment