Mark your calendars for Thursday 15th May as we celebrate another heartwarming milestone. Koala Cuddle Day shines a light on the power of skin-to-skin care – also known as Kangaroo Care – and the incredible impact it has on babies born with congenital heart disease.

What It’s All About

Led by Rachel McConnell, Clinical Specialist Cardiac Neonatal Physiotherapist, this day is part of a wider, innovative project focused on developmental care for babies in hospital. Rachel and her multi-disciplinary team – including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, the play team, speech and language therapists, and dietitians – are working together to create a more nurturing, baby-friendly environment in the cardiac unit.

Congenital heart disease affects around 1 in every 100 babies born in the UK, and the early days are absolutely crucial for brain development and attachment. But cuddling a baby in hospital, especially one connected to medical equipment, can be daunting for parents.

That’s why this project is so important – and we’re proud to say it’s funded by CHUF. It’s believed to be the first of its kind in cardiac centres in the UK!

What This Means for Staff

Staff across the Trust are receiving specialist training to help them understand that every baby is unique and communicates through behaviour. The training empowers staff to support parents in nurturing their little one, even in challenging hospital settings.

❤️ How It Helps Families

Skin-to-skin contact has proven health benefits for both babies and their families – but hospital environments can pose barriers. The team is working on creative solutions, like adapting cots and spaces with support from The Sensational Thinking Project and medical engineering, so that even in a high-tech setting, cuddles come first.

About Koala Cuddle Day

The very first Koala Cuddle Day was created to support families in holding and touching their baby and encourage staff to overcome the barriers to this essential care. Now in its third year, it continues to bring comfort, connection, and joy to families and staff alike.

How Chuf Helps

Chuf is proud to fund this ground-breaking initiative, supporting Rachel and her team to create long-lasting change in neonatal cardiac care. It’s projects like these – focused on innovation, compassion, and real impact – that make a difference every single day.

Let’s hear it for cuddles that heal!

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