Reading in the NICU: Sarah’s Choice

     

First to share her World Book Day reading list is Sarah Clark. Sarah’s daughter, Skye, was born last February, 10 weeks early. Problems with Skye’s lungs meant she struggled to breathe on her own and required lengthy stays in Ninewells and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Sarah and her family found that reading to Skye in the neonatal unit helped to soothe Skye, as well as giving them a positive focus, as we found out when we caught up with Sarah.

vCreate: When Skye was in the neonatal unit, what was your favourite book?

Sarah: It was a personalised book that was gifted to me by a close friend called, The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name, it came through the post on the day we were being transferred through to Glasgow and Skye was really poorly, I was in tears reading it and I read it to her every night in NICU.

vCreate: Why was this book your favourite?

Sarah: It was personalised, it was fun and meant something to us at a horrible time.

vCreate: If you were going to recommend any book to new parents (preemie or otherwise), what would it be?

Sarah: Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney. It is a lovely story about how much love a parent and child have for each other and nothing will ever compare to that in real life.

vCreate: Did Skye's older sister enjoy reading to her? If so, what was her favourite book to read?

Sarah: Chloe, my eldest daughter, loved reading "The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name" and other children’s nursery rhymes.

Skye's Dad and Grandad are pictured reading to her during her NICU stay. You can read more about Skye's story here.