Have volunteered as a Baby Cuddler at LPCH since 1997. During my weekly shift, my role is to hold babies, mostly preemies, but really I interact with little ones of all ages. As a Cuddler, our "job" is to hold and talk to the babies, calm them when they fuss, perhaps change a diaper, but mostly help them connect to another human when Mom/Dad aren't available. Often the babies are hospitalized for weeks, even months, depending on their medical situation. The babies respond to touch, breath, voice, and my heart beat in ways that words cannot describe. Over the years, as things have changed in my life, the Cuddler role remains consistent year after year. The hospital holds annual new Cuddler interviews, if you are interested contact lpch.org.