CHI’s tiniest patients join the Babies with Books Read-a-Thon
CHI’s tiniest patients join the Babies with Books Read-a-Thon
Sept. 11, 2023
All CHI locations
CHI’s tiniest patients join the Babies with Books Read-a-Thon
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Conor Reszczynska and his Mum, Olga, taking part in the Babies with Books Read-a-thon to support NICU families, in CHI at Crumlin.
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Conor Reszczynska and his Mum, Olga, taking part in the Babies with Books Read-a-thon to support NICU families, in CHI at Crumlin
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Kody Meaney and his Mum, Lea Garland, taking part in the Babies with Books Read-a-thon to support NICU families, in CHI at Crumlin.
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Kody Meaney and his Mum, Lea Garland, taking part in the Babies with Books Read-a-thon to support NICU families, in CHI at Crumlin
Today, 11th Sept 2023, marks the start of the third annual Babies with Books Read-a-thon to support NICU families and celebrate shared reading. Over 150 NICU’s all over the world, including at CHI at Crumlin and CHI at Temple Street, take part in the read-a-thon to encourage reading with babies for its many benefits to babies and families.
Bickay Lee-O’Reilly, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist at CHI, sees first-hand how hard a hospital journey can be for families, and how sometimes the simplest acts can make a big difference:
““For families navigating the emotional journey of having a child in hospital, the experience can be overwhelming. The sight of wires, incubators and other medical equipment can create feelings of separation and helplessness. “But the simple yet powerful act of reading can help bring families closer together and support the developing brains of our youngest patients at CHI. The soothing rhythm of a parent’s voice and colourful illustrations in children’s books stimulate neural pathways, setting the stage for future learning and cognitive growth.”
The “Babies with Books” Read-A-Thon initiative not only creates precious moments of bonding but also helps families feel more actively involved in their child’s care, contributing to a sense of empowerment during a challenging period. Timeless tales offer comfort, connection and escapism into another world.
Conor’s Story:
Conor is 8 months old and is a patient in Crumlin’s Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Conor has spent the last five months in CHI at Crumlin and has had a tracheostomy procedure to help air and oxygen reach his lungs. His mum, Olga, stays by Conor’s side and is now learning everything she needs to know to take great care of him when they get home.
Conor loves eating and making noise! But when it’s time to relax he enjoys following the pictures in his favourite book, Elmer, which really make him smile.
“Olga says, “I’m really looking forward to being involved with the Read-a-Thon. My focus since Conor was born has been on his development and making sure he is stimulated. He loves all of the usual baby things, so it’s great to have the entertainment of the read-a-thon this week!”
Thank you:
CHI at Temple Street would like to offer a special thanks to Blanchardstown library that generously donated books for the Read-a-Thon.
CHI at Crumlin would like to thank both the Arts in Health Programme and Children's Books Ireland who have joined forces to generously provide books for this week.
Staff at CHI at Crumlin today