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The bonding hearts are sewn by volunteers across east Kent and included in kits given to families whose babies are being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
Each family receives a pair of hearts, one for the baby and one for the mum, and they help support bonding by allowing them to become familiar with each other’s scent when it’s not always possible to have physical cuddles.
The hearts can help mums express milk by stimulating their hormones, and are part of colostrum collection kits created by East Kent Hospitals Charity. The kits also include special bags to transport the milk.
Head of charity Dee Neligan said: “These hearts are tiny but so powerful and we are incredibly grateful to our volunteers who give up their time to make them for our families.
“After our last appeal we received more than 100 lovingly sewn hearts which are helping families at one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“As well as the practical benefits the hearts offer in terms of bonding, they remind families that they are not alone and others have given their time, skills and compassion to help them.
“From all of us, and from the families who will receive them, thank you for sharing the love!”
You can download a pattern and find out more about how to create the hearts here.
