So our Nadia is in what is considered a “good” orphanage because of the caregiver to child ratio. All the babies that have come from there seem healthy, alert and on target developmentally. After a couple days they seem comfy with their parents and the new surroundings. No scabies or other major health problems. I want to relate a story of a family who just got home. While doing paperwork in their province the nanny of their child (who is 8 months old) came up to say hello and the child started freaking out and clinging to her parents. That was after just one day with her family.
Which got me to thinking….even if the ratio is around 10 babies for 2 nannies, how much individual attention and touching can these babies possibly get? Not much when you think about it. In America if ONE woman has FIVE babies, it’s on the national news and companies are falling over themselves to donate items or cash or big vans. People from their church/neighborhood come round the clock to “help” the 2 parents care for the 5 children. Then they can get into a routine and get help to change all those diapers and feed all those mouths.
Now in the orphanage these nannies don’t have that. It’s 2 women for 10 infants. Changing, feeding, bathing and so on. How much time is there for play and cuddling? Not much I would imagine. And the women probably work in shifts, so they might not see the same women every day/night. So think about what these babies get right from the start of their adoption – the parents and all the love and attention showered on them. Without fighting for the attention because they are the only baby in the hotel room. What an awesome thing. It really makes you think about the power of touch and loving affection.
So those of you with “homegrown” kids- give your kids an extra hug this weekend and be blessed that your child never had to go so long without your loving touch. And to all the fellow waiting parents, get your hugging arms ready……we have a lot of catching up to do!