NICU babies comforted by handmade sea creatures

Kim Walter and her newborn Liam were happy to accept this miniature octopus as a gift from the neo-natal intensive care unit nurses at Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. The cozy creature soothes preemies, like little Liam, by offering them something to hold and squeeze instead of their tubes and monitors. “Our nurses learned that the tentacles simulate the umbilical cord, which comforts the babies,” said Kay Bower, NICU director of nursing. Led by NICU nurse Kim Mondo, the nurses began making the soft sea creatures for their NICU babies, ensuring the handmade creations are safe and made using only non-allergenic yarn. Last week the nurses knitted 42 octopi. Patients and their families appreciate the comfort these cuddly creatures provide during their stay in the NICU. “The family of nurses we have here in the NICU are just incredible. They are dynamic, highly skilled and so caring.” #GeisingerStories