NICU newborns at Brigham and Women’s celebrate Valentine’s Day in style

NICU newborns at Brigham and Women’s celebrate Valentine’s Day in style

The babies donned red and pink onesies, sparkly occasion hats, and coronary heart-formed glasses for the photograph shoot.

“The infants of the [neonatal intensive care unit] are enthusiastic to rejoice their incredibly initially Valentine’s Working day,” posts on Facebook and Twitter go through. “Although they won’t be eating any chocolate, these sweet faces will be getting loads of like and melting some hearts these days!”

Dr. Elisa Abdulhayoglu, the NICU professional medical director, mentioned that holiday festivities are a tradition in the unit, which treats untimely and ill infants. Even a handful of Valentine’s Day props can increase morale and make a feeling of normalcy for family members, she stated.

“It’s a ton of exciting,” Abdulhayoglu said. “It brings a smile to the families, to the employees, and from a physician’s stage of perspective it essentially type of assists remind you a single of the explanations why you do this. It just brings joy.”

Some of the newborns have been going through intense treatment for weeks, she stated. The NICU treats infants born as early as 22 weeks, and many remain in the hospital’s care for as prolonged as 5 months, according to Abdulhayoglu.

“These babies are extraordinary small warriors, and so are the households that enjoys them,” Abdulhayoglu stated.

The light-weight-hearted photograph shoots can prompt mixed reactions from the new child models, she mentioned.

“Sometimes you can get some definitely comical images wherever the infants are a minimal displeased,” Abdulhayoglu reported. “But most of the time, especially when the babies know that their mom or dad is there, they can actually get the toddlers to settle down and get some actually lovable pictures.”


Kate Armanini can be arrived at at [email protected]. Observe her on Twitter @KateArmanini.