Reading has given Renee and Ryan Petralia a precious way to bond with baby Noah while he is cared for in Redland Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.
“It comforts him to hear our voices and helps his little mind develop,” Ryan said. “I bought him a personalised book with a message reminding him he is never alone, always loved, strong and brave.”
Born in August, Noah was just days old when the family joined the Unit’s Readathon.
Together, Renee and Ryan spent almost six hours reading to their son.
Renee said having specialist care just five minutes from home had also eased some of the stress of Noah’s early arrival.
“We are already going through enough without the added stress of travelling every day,” she said.
“The staff have been incredible. We feel very lucky.”
In addition to the Readathon, the Neonatal Unit team has established a small library for families, with reusable board books and free books for each family to take home.
RN Karina Elcock said reading could comfort babies, strengthen their bond with their parents and help families create positive routines they could continue at home.
“Every story is an opportunity for parents to connect with their baby and create a special memory during what can be a difficult and uncertain time,” she said.