It is certainly worth looking into, but I know that I would find it hard to detach myself and leave my emotions at the door so to speak and I have my own kids, and I reckon the feeling would be even more acute for you :hug:
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It is certainly worth looking into, but I know that I would find it hard to detach myself and leave my emotions at the door so to speak and I have my own kids, and I reckon the feeling would be even more acute for you :hug:
You can also volunteer at the infants ward at the children's hospital in Perth. It is essentially cuddling and feeding babies who don't have anyone with them.
I think it a is a lovely, thoughtful idea that you have to give some of your time to volunteer BUT I have to agree with Trillian:
I think it might actually make your yearning even worse and wouldn't necessarily be of any benefit/help for you. Perhaps consider doing volunteering in another way either at the hospitals or elsewhere. I understand that you say it "has" to be with babies but I think it could be a disaster in the making.:hug::
It is certainly worth looking into, but I know that I would find it hard to detach myself and leave my emotions at the door so to speak and I have my own kids, and I reckon the feeling would be even more acute for you
What pip82 said. The nurseries in Perth do not have volunteers there, but the wards always need them to play with and cuddle the kids there.
Not sure where you are, but when my dd1 was in nicu/scn/childrens ward at the mater, there were 'cuddlers' at each. They ask u if u give permission for them to go cuddle your bub if you can't be there for a stretch. Or for the poor bubs who were screaming all day and night from withdrawls :(
I have done volunteer work at the children's hospital. They have volunteer coordinators you ring and organise it with :)
Many children's hospitals/wards have "ward grannies" who are volunteers. The parents must consent to the grannies picking up there baby, but yes there role is to cuddle and comfort babies whose family can't for so many reasons.
I think it's wonderful that you are willing to volunteer your time in such a rewarding and needed way. The most important thing though is that you look after yourself. It very well may be healing for you to be doing good for these babies in their time of need...
SJOG Murdoch have volunteers on the maternity ward to fix up patients flowers (water, new vases, etc).
The physio in the medical centre at SJOG Murdoch (Southcare Physio) runs 'mums and bubs' swimming classes and they have volunteers to cuddle babies and rock prams while the mums do their aqua aerobics after the swim with the babies :)
I'll ask my mum she works at Murdoch but I'm pretty sure these are what she does, being a PCA. You need to do courses for this and make sure all your vaccinations are up to date.:
PCA stands for patient care assistant and they aren't meant to touch the babies, only clean rooms birth suites etc.
Why don't you try to volunteer in a child care centre they have baby rooms specifically too.
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A less hands on option (if you wanted a bit of distance) could be to make little clothes or blankets or toys and donate to the hospitals. Kinda providing cuddles through craft.
What about helping out at a local playgroup or big sister program? (this would be toddlers or older kids)