Cuddlers: Please note, our cuddler program is fully staffed at this time. Studies show that tactile stimulation such as massage, human touch, and cuddling can help improve weight gain in newborns, especially premature babies. The calming effects allow the baby to relax and focus its energy on growing and hopefully go home sooner. Babies in our NICU enjoy the warmth, tenderness and TLC of our volunteer "cuddlers." After passing a detailed screening process and undergoing special training, cuddlers calm and interact with premature babies, support families who can't be at the hospital, and assist the nursing staff in providing additional human touch. Cuddlers don't give medications, feed babies or walk around with them. They just hold them, rock them, read or sing songs to them, providing whatever stimulation the baby responds to best. When all the babies sleeping, the cuddlers sort and fold blankets, clothing and other laundered items used in the NICU.