It explores and emphasizes the importance of human touch and human interaction. But what Bonnie Keller has discovered about baby cuddling is that it can be a symbiotic relationship.

Yes, baby cuddling is a real thing, and it's as heartwarming as it sounds. A resident of Manheim Township and a retired private adoption agency director, Keller performs her fascinating volunteer work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Women & Babies Hospital, 690 Good Drive, Lancaster.

"Most of them are little wee ones," said Keller of the babies she snuggles. "The littlest people you've ever seen, and they need help to grow. It's very comforting to see them grow every week. It's very satisfying seeing the flower open up."

Keller is one of 60 volunteers who cuddle babies inside Women & Babies' NICU - 52 women and eight men from all parts of Lancaster County. The babies are also from everywhere in Lancaster County, infants as young as 22 weeks old and usually facing some type of health challenge.

Typically, the babies' stays in the NICU range from seven days to four months.

"Some are premature and can't fight off infections," said Margi Bowers, nurse manager of Women & Babies' NICU. "There is research that shows infants who receive human touch have more positive outcomes, like gaining weight faster. Evidence shows that human touch increases the likelihood of trusting relationships later in life."

"It gives them a place in the world by looking into another person's face," said Keller. "Human interaction is so important to development. Human interaction helps them to eat better and sleep better. If we can be there when mom and dad can't, that's great."

"Sometimes mom is really sick," said Bowers. "Giving birth isn't easy. Some moms have other children at home or have to go back to work. Sometimes it's teenage moms who have to go back to school. Moms and dads just aren't here all the time."

The NICU's baby cuddling program has a waiting list that the hospital reviews once a year. Before they are accepted into the program, baby cuddlers undergo a thorough background check and training. They work in three-hour shifts, and a baby cuddler is on duty at the NICU 24/7.

"We rock a lot of times," said Keller. "We also do the classic rock back and forth while standing. The nurses swaddle the babies in blankets and cloth tightly, so they feel secure. They know someone is there. I hum songs to them, they lay on my chest, I'll slightly rub their foreheads or forearms. Sometimes they just need some warmth and to be hugged. Sometimes you get a smile, and it's priceless."

Keller has been a baby cuddler for 10 years. Over that time, she has learned to manage the emotional attachments that develop between herself and the infants.

"Wednesdays are the best part of my week," said Keller of her 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift. "I end up coming out of there happy every time. I almost have a renewed outlook on life. Just feeling them and looking into their faces, that's my reward."

"You become temporarily emotionally attached," Keller added. "The day of discharge is a happy day. Sometimes I'll walk down with them. I just wish them well. I care about each one from my heart. In my heart I tell them that they've got to fight to get through it."