Louis Mapp is the father of three children, grandfather of eight children and great-grandparents of two. But at 81, this man from Alabama (United States) spends many days working as a volunteer in a children's hospital, feeding and hugging hospitalized babies.
His touching and tender history has reminded us of that of another old man, known as "UCI Grandfather", who also decided to dedicate his time to offer his affection to the prematurely admitted. And it is that human warmth and affection are an essential part for the recovery and development of these babies.
"While on earth I have to help others"
When Louis saw a report on television about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the work of medical professionals and volunteers, he felt he should do something to help To children and their families. So he went to the USA Children's Hospital of Alabama, willing to lend a hand to workers in the neonatal area.
There they received him with open arms, because when it comes to give warmth and love to the babies admitted Any help is little.
His volunteer work began a year and a half ago, and neither his 81 years, nor the 45-minute trip that separates his home from the hospital, have slowed the desire and enthusiasm of this old man to help the little ones.
"One of the best things I've done in my life has been to help these babies and the nurses who care for them. It's hard to describe what it feels like when you enter a neonatal ICU. See all the babies there, some very little ones, but being able to cradle them and see them smile is really satisfying "- he told People magazine.
At least once a week he goes to his appointment at the NICU, ready to cuddle, talk and give the bottle to the babies and premature infants admitted who cannot count on the presence of their parents at that time.But Louis's help is not here, because this old man was so shocked from his first visits to the NICU, that decided to donate a million dollars to the hospital through the Mapp Family Foundation, which he and his wife have set in motion to help sick children.
The money will be used primarily to buy or renew technological equipment, as well as any type of accessory or tool that helps the well-being of hospitalized babies, such as special cribs for premature babies weighing less than half a kilo.
"When you know a neonatal ICU, you realize how special that place is, and the great impact it has on the lives of many families. Whether economically, or through a hug or a phone call, I feel blessed to be able to help. And, while I'm here on earth I think I have to do everything possible for others "- he explained.
The power of a hug
Physical contact, words and human warmth are essential for the development of any newborn, but in the case of admitted and premature babies it is much more.
The journal Biological Psychiatry published a study that showed that premature babies admitted to the NICU that were cuddled from birth they had better sleep habits and remained more attentive than those who had not been hugged. In addition, it is proven that premature babies need to feel that they are touched to have a better brain development.
The time a baby spends in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is usually a very difficult time for the whole family. And although there are more and more hospitals worldwide that are carrying out neonatal care programs that allow parents not to be separated from their premature or sick babies the time they are admitted, also there are hospitals that have a visiting schedule.
There is no doubt that for a baby there is nothing better than skin-to-skin contact with mom or dad, but when for various reasons this is not possible, the work of volunteer “huggers” is a great help, because they make the Baby does not feel alone, positively impacting his emotional and physical development.
Photos | iStock, WKRG
