Volunteering at Logan Hospital is now a whole lot cuddlier for a select group of 'vollies' inducted into our Ward Nanny program.
Ward Nannies Jenni and Susan said they were lucky enough to join the program and couldn’t wait to assist new families in the Maternity Ward.
Broadly describing their role as ‘nannies’, they said they were at the beck and call of new parents, helping to swaddle and settle babies, assist at bath time, watch over babies so mums could get some invaluable rest and much more.
“For first time parents, we can even just share tried and tested tips and tricks that we have learned throughout the years,” Jenni said.
On her second shift, Jenni was teary-eyed as she recalled how three out of her four grandchildren were born at Logan Hospital, with the fourth spending time in the Special Care Nursery.
“Being a part of this program allows me to give back to the wonderful people who helped my family,” she said.
For Susan, being a Ward Nanny was a way to ‘fill the hole’ of not having grandbabies of her own.
Volunteer Coordinator Kylie Mott said with so many volunteers having a personal connection to the hospital’s maternity and birthing services, there was already a wait list to join the program.
“With the program already full, we are hoping to expand our volunteer service within the Women's and Children's Division,” she said.
Kylie said she hoped the Ward Nanny program would foster meaningful connections between the volunteers and local families.
“Ward Nannies can provide invaluable support to all parents from a non-clinical perspective,” she said.
“Whether it be cuddling a baby while mum has a shower or giving a new mum a hug if she needs one; our Nannies will be there to offer their help if and when it is needed.”
She said Logan Hospital’s team of midwives were also excited to welcome the Ward Nannies and that they looked forward to working together to provide even more care and support to mums, bubs and families.