Attention women with grown-up kids, grandmas whose grandkids live too far away, and anyone who thinks they might be interested in having kids someday: Your services are sorely needed!
Babies need a lot of attention, but not every baby has a wonderful parent — such as this dad who saved his baby from falling at the last microsecond — to care for them from day one.
Many newborn babies are given up for adoption each year, and before they find their new families, adoption agencies depend on volunteer caretakers to nurture and comfort them. Sadly, these volunteer numbers have dwindled recently, leaving agencies desperate to find someone who's willing to cuddle, hug, and love the babies during their first few weeks.
Yes, we're literally talking about a job that requires you to hold cute babies!
Is there a hole in your life that could be filled by simply cuddling a little one who desperately needs love and attention?
Scroll through below to learn more about the important need for baby cuddlers and how you can help!
Okay, so "baby cuddler" isn't the official job title (but doesn't it sound cute?).
These volunteers are actually called Interim Care Providers, and they specialize in providing a loving environment for newborns awaiting adoption.
Spence-Chapin, a New York organization that's been providing this service for over 100 years, explains: "Our Interim Care Providers play an essential role in the work of our agency. No job is more important than caring for and providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for a child as his or her biological parents make a plan for the child’s future."
Although Spence-Chapin's Interim Care program is well-established, last month they ran into a crisis: They had no volunteers.
The organization, and many like it across the nation, are actively seeking families "of all types" to help them care for the newborns.
These ladies pictured are just some of their recent volunteers.
Interim Care Providers can be young or old, previous parents, or those who have never been parents.
All that matters is that they can provide each infant with the attention and care they need to promote normal development and attachment.
"My job is to make the baby feel safe and loved 24/7," Susan Singer, a former teacher, told ABC News. "I hold them all the time. I talk to them. I sing to them. We play music. And I get so much joy and pleasure. I feel so good when I'm with an infant that I hope that it does something for them, too."
Since 2010, Singer has provided interim care for at least 20 babies.
“Agencies are not exactly the best funded today, so volunteers are more important probably than they have ever been,” Adam Pertman, President of the National Center on Adoption and Permanency, told ABC News.
“All agencies over the years have certainly needed volunteers but… the need has grown. Volunteers have become more and more essential.”
Think you've got what it takes to be an Interim Care Provider?
Volunteers are subjected to a background check and home visits, and agencies help cover some necessary expenses including diapers, formula, clothing, and transportation.
For more information, visit Spence-Chapin's website or contact an adoption agency near you.
Have you known anyone who has worked as an Interim Care Provider? Tell us about it in the comments.
Please SHARE with anyone you know who loves cuddling babies!
