Normally, babies need to spend about 37-40 weeks in their mother’s womb before they can safely be delivered.
Yet babies are often born well before 37 weeks, which can lead to an array of dangerous health issues. That’s why when mom Kat Smith gave birth to twins last November at just 28 weeks, she was stunned to see how tiny they were and how much their fragile bodies would have to overcome. “It’s a very scary time. You can’t comprehend just how small and fragile they are,” Smith said.
Thankfully, the staff at the Poole Hospital NICU worked around the clock to make sure Smith’s twins and the other preemies were well cared for. But when the team heard about research that showed crocheted octopuses could help preemies, they decided to try giving them to the babies since they could use all the help they could get.
According to the research, the tentacles of a crocheted octopus remind an infant of its mother’s umbilical cord and the soft round body reminds them of the womb. And because the babies felt safer, they had more regular heartbeats, better breathing, more oxygen in their blood, and were less likely to pull out wires and tubes.
“When we heard about the difference a cuddly octopus can make to our tiny babies we were impressed and, after research, eager to introduce them to our little patients,” Daniel Lockyer, a neonatal services matron. “It’s incredible that something so simple can comfort a baby and help them feel better.”
“One of the nurses brought in the octopus and explained about the idea,” Smith said. “The girls absolutely love them. When they are asleep they hold onto the tentacles tightly. Normally they would be in the womb and would play with the umbilical cord so the octopuses make them feel grounded and safe. They really are beautiful.”
“My miracle girls are now two weeks old and though they have a few conditions associated with premature birth, they are doing really well,” Smith said.
Can you believe the incredible way these crocheted animals are saving preemies? Let us know what you think in the comments below and please SHARE this on Facebook.
[Featured image: Poole Hospital]
Crocheted Octopus Saves Tiny Premature Twins’ Lives is an article from: LifeDaily