Families and staff at the Ulster Hospital’s Neonatal Unit joined in the celebrations for World Book Day as classic children’s books were gifted to parents and their precious babies.
Julia Donaldson’s ‘Snail and the Whale’, Eric Carle’s classic, ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ and Oliver Jeffers’ timeless ‘Lost and Found’ were just some of the ‘tiny tales’, along with a special book marker presented to parents to mark the day.
Preparing to leave the Unit for home with their beautiful baby boy Rory, Lynsey and Ross McConnell were delighted to receive ‘How To Catch A Star’ by Oliver Jeffers.
South Eastern Trust, Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead, Cathy Flinn shared how the books had been donated by families, “Who have previously journeyed through our Unit.”
Cathy said, “These books are such a meaningful way of giving back and supporting the next generation of our Neonatal babies and parents. Reading to Pre-Term and sick babies supports early brain development, strengthens bonding and offers comfort through the familiar sound of a parents’ voice.
“Baby Rory and his parents, Lynsey and Ross, were gifted ‘How To Catch A Star’ on his day of discharge. Lynsey and Ross are big fans of the author, Oliver Jeffers and even have two of his prints hanging in his nursery awaiting his arrival home.”