NBRHC’s Tiniest Patients to Benefit from new Reading Program

It’s never too early to start enjoying books with your children. With that in mind, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Service of Pediatrics at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) launched an innovative early childhood reading program designed to promote newborn bonding and development.

Dr. Cheryl Clayton, Service of Pediatrics, NBRHC, says when parents read to their babies while in the NICU, it has shown to help parents feel closer to their baby and gain a sense of normalcy. “Reading, talking and singing to your new baby right from the start promotes early language and literacy development,” explains Dr. Clayton.

Now families and caregivers visiting the NICU will have an opportunity to select a book from the lending library to read to their newborns.  “This staff-led initiative is part of a new Learn, Laugh, Love and Read with Me program, which encourages early communication between parent and newborn,” Dr. Clayton says. “Having a library for our littlest patients and their families will be a great addition to our NICU.”

This program was made possible by support from staff in the NICU, the Service of Pediatrics and community partners. “We are very thankful for the generosity of staff, the Knights of Columbus and Eh Vee Designs for their donation of time and resources,” Dr. Clayton says.

Anyone interested in supporting the NICU lending library are encouraged to visit the Indigo FUNdraising page. Proceeds of purchases made online go directly to support the Learn, Laugh, Love and Read with Me program.

For more information visit /foundation/

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Contact:

Taylor Grant
Assistant, Communications & Volunteer Department
North Bay Regional Health Centre
Taylor.grant@nbrhc.on.ca
705-474-8600 ext. 3131