Hugs Continued…
This image is from an article called ‘The rescuing Hug’ written back in 1996.
The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Apparently, each was in their respective incubators, and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator.
When they were placed together, the healthier of the two threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby’s heart rate stabilized and her temperature rose to normal.
Life Magazine - June 1996 - Page 18
Premature babies who survive are tiny miracles of modern medicine. Kyrie (red dot) and Brielle Jackson are also examples of a far more primitive science, that of the loving touch. Born 12 weeks early, the twins were whisked into separate incubators.
Kyrie, the larger at two pounds three ounces, slept peacefully. But Brielle had breathing and heart-rate problems, didn’t gain weight and fussed when anyone tried to comfort her. Finally, a nurse tried a technique called “double bedding” and put the sisters together fro the first time since they shared a womb.
“Brielle snuggled up to Kyrie,” reports mom Heidi Jackson, “and she calmed right down.”
With her sister near, Brielle began to thrive. Sooner then expected, the girls went home - where they now share a single crib.
Photographed in Worcester, Mass.
by Chris Christo/Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Give someone a hug; it might be a life saver!
Nick said,
November 16, 2008 at 8:42 am
It seems clear to me they were already buddies in the womb and once they were born and separated, one of them flagged because she was missing her sister. Which is why she perked up as soon as they were together again. Wonderful story.
steph said,
November 16, 2008 at 9:17 am
That’s SO sweet, GM
Those two little girls must be 12 years old now and I’ll bet you that they’re still looking out for each other.
I once shared a cardiac unit overnight with one other young male patient but sadly, nobody suggested ‘double bedding’
Baino said,
November 16, 2008 at 11:14 am
Grannymar, we’ve sanitised parenthood to such an extreme that we ‘toddler tame’ and use ‘controlled crying’ Third world mums, give birth strap their babies to their breast or back and don’t need counselling . . there’s something to be learned there . . hey we all need physical contact. Hell if we buy a puppy we even give it a hot water bottle, a smelly sock and a clock to emulate mum’s heartbeat . .don’ we?
Grannymar said,
November 16, 2008 at 1:23 pm
@Nick - I would love an update on Brielle and Kyrie. Hopefully they are happily sharing hugs with family and friends.
@Steph - I too shared time in a cardiac unit with gentlemen ‘neighbours’! Thankfully there was no suggestion of ‘double bedding’! It gave a whole new meaning to sighing and deep breathing!
@Baino - I agree with youwe coddle and cosset our infants far to much for their own good.
I will remember your tips if I ever decide to buy a puppy.
kenju said,
November 16, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Thank God the nurse has sense!! My daughter’s twins always searched for each other when they were infants. She could put them down on either end of a big crib and in a matter on minutes, they would be side by side, touching.
Grannymar said,
November 16, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Judy
I am like that if I sit on a couch with someone! My body is drawn like a magnet to the body heat. Well that is my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Darlene said,
November 16, 2008 at 5:49 pm
There is nothing more comforting than the human touch. We instinctively hold a sick person’s hand when we visit. It is an inborn and natural need.
Grannymar said,
November 16, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Darlene
You are so right. A gentle touch can bring great comfort.
wisewebwoman said,
November 16, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I so agree, GM, the power of the human touch is beyond measuing. We all need it. I became enthralled with the male massage a few years back and regularly book massages. Now, now ladies, all nice and above board, alas.
XO
WWW
Grannymar said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:13 am
WWW
I believe you even if thousands don’t!
Now i am off to find a hug!
K8 said,
November 17, 2008 at 9:58 pm
That’s the definition of a really great medical practioner… whether they be a nurse, a doctor or a registrar - they have the knowledge that there are certain things that medical science just cannot explain, they understand when to roll with their instincts despite all odds. That’s what a medical practitioner should be.
Grannymar said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:13 pm
K8
It is sign of a truely skilled person!