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 2000 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.
