Can you volunteer to hold babies at a hospital (or maybe somewhere else)?

Question

how would i go about doing this, and how old do you think you have to be?

Answer 1

jrhd has good points. I never thought about helping teen mothers!

I think also you could find an answer found by contacting local hospital's volunteer departments, or United Way, to see what they know.

Answer 2

Mariah has a point. (although I wouldn't have put it so crudely)  Most new moms wouldn't appreciate their babies being held by strangers.

Answer 3

Why would you want to volunteer to hold babies at a hospital.  The trouble is most women with newborns do not really want their babies being pulled about by strangers, I know I wouldnt anyway.,

Answer 4

Well, it's a nice thought, but with security issues any more, hospitals don't let non-staff handle the babies. They even make the mothers match their wristbands with the babies' wristbands to confirm that they are their mothers. They don't let you walk outside the room with the baby, either. I went through this with my little granddaughter. Maybe you can volunteer at your church's daycare or sunday school. I'm sure you're trustworthy, but there are some people that kidnap babies, and most places are extra careful about who gets in contact with the little ones.

Answer 5

Hmm, new moms wouldn't' want strangers holding their babies.  Well, what if a mom was very sick after delivery, and holding the baby will make it healthier?  I'm sure new moms don't know all of the doctors and nurses that may help their newborns.  I've heard that holding was good for them.  I would ask a nurse if I were you, or call your local volunteer coordinator.  Good luck.

Answer 6

These days, most babies room in with their parents and are getting plenty of attention from their families, so I think it's unlikely that the hospital needs baby-holding volunteers.

If you want to volunteer with babies, you could try volunteering at your local program for teen mothers.  They sometimes need a break so they can go shop, spend time with friends, or just relax.  You probably have to be 16-18; you can look up the organization in your area and call and ask their volunteer coordinator.