The ‘immense’ power of reading to babies in intensive care

Born at 31 weeks, tiny twins Sonny and Lenny need a little extra care than your average newborn.

At the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, an important part of that extra care is reading.

While Sonny is in the Intensive Care Unit and Lenny is in Special Care, their parents Nikita and Chris have been forging bonds with their little ones by reading books to them.

In 2021, the RBWH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) introduced the Little Royal Readers program, designed to foster connection and comfort during a delicate post-birth period for families. This initiative recognises the profound impact of early bonding through reading, particularly in the NICU environment.

“Reading to babies in the NICU holds immense significance,” says Registered Nurse Ellie Kersevani, who started the program after discovering the joy of reading to her own baby.

“For newborns, it stimulates brain development, enhances language skills, and promotes emotional wellbeing during a critical phase of growth. Through soothing voices and familiar stories, babies experience reassurance and a sense of security amid medical procedures and unfamiliar surroundings.”

Equally vital, the program supports parents in establishing a nurturing routine amid the stress of a NICU stay.

Little Royal Readers at RBWH NICU exemplifies the hospital’s commitment to holistic care, where the simple act of reading becomes so much more than just words.

“It empowers parents to actively participate in their baby’s care, fostering a deeper bond through shared moments of storytelling. These interactions not only strengthen the parent-infant relationship but also provide a comforting sense of normalcy and hope during a challenging time,” says Ellie.

The Little Royal Readers program at RBWH NICU gifts every admitted baby to ICN with two books and a library bag. This is only made possible through the dedication of a local community sewing and quilting group, The Sewing Lair & Sewing for Charity Australia, whose handmade library bags add a personal touch to each gift.

Currently, the program relies on the kindness of NICU staff and families who donate books. However, to sustain this vital initiative year-round, Little Royal Readers urgently seeks sponsorship or community donations as their book supplies are diminishing rapidly. By securing ongoing support for books, the program can continue to enrich the NICU experience for families.

“Little Royal Readers exemplifies the power of community collaboration in healthcare, where collective efforts create lasting impacts on the well-being of newborns like Lenny and Sonny and their families,” says Ellie.

“With continued support, this program can thrive, offering solace and fostering bonds that transcend the hospital environment, nurturing hope and resilience for all involved.”

If you would like to donate new or lightly used books in excellent condition to the program, please contact NICU reception (07 3646 7846) or Ellie Kersevani (Eloise.Kersevani@health.qld.gov.au).