Research
shows that the sense of smell is the first sense to develop around 22
weeks gestation and becomes mature by 29 weeks gestation…
Nothing
can replace a mother’s special and unique scent, and even our smallest
preemies can sense it. Volunteer Judy Case, together with Newborn Hope,
created these special soft hearts to deliver to NICUs statewide so that
baby can feel connected with mom (or dad, or caregiver!) while in the
NICU. Hearts are placed with mom for a short time and then with baby to
create an awareness of mom’s unique scent.
Newborn
Hope is so grateful for Judy’s heart to serve our preemies as a
volunteer sewing our inaugural 200 hearts for distribution. Judy’s
passion for quilting has spanned over four decades, and it continues to
be a work of ‘heart.’ Now a quilting instructor and certified quilting
judge, Judy enjoys using her talents to comfort those in a trying time
with lap blankets for cancer patients, isolet covers for premature
babies in the NICU, and now Scent Hearts for premature babies to connect
with their mothers and caregivers.
To request hearts for a family member, friend or NICU please contact director@newbornhope.org.
