‘I’m a professional cuddler!’
This Queensland grandmother can’t wait to be back hugging babies
Snuggling up to precious newborn babies is all in a day’s work for baby whisperer Sue Llewelyn. The retired grandmother-offour couldn’t believe her luck when she was offered the chance to train for the coveted volunteer role of cuddle carer at the Queensland Children’s Hospital four years ago.
Sue has since hugged hundreds of beautiful bubs when their parents need to take a break from their bedside, and says it is the most rewarding job she’s ever had.
Although COVID restrictions mean she isn’t currently on the ward, she’s counting down the days until she can resume cuddling duties.
“Cuddling these babies is just lovely,” Sue, 65, tells Woman’s Day. “You know you are helping the babies, who are often really sick, and you’re also helping their parents who may need to go for a cup of coffee, a shower or spend some time with their other children.
“Some of the parents have travelled a long way and have no family around them, so it’s good for them to see a familiar face and know their baby is in safe hands.”
After retiring from her long-term accounting role five years ago, Sue wanted to give back to the community. She started volunteering on the theatre ward at the hospital, supporting children, siblings and their parents through often traumatic procedures.
While she treasures both of her worthy roles, Sue says being a cuddle mum doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. “Everyone wants to be a cuddle mum and it’s such a great role, but it isn’t always as easy as it sounds,” she says.
“It can be sad too because some of the babies are so sick it is heartbreaking. Then there’s some you see one week, and they are gone the next, while others can be there for months and you can’t help but get attached to them.”
Although the job doesn’t pay a cent and keeps her on her toes, Sue says she wouldn’t give up her cuddling gig for quids.
“Every bub is so beautiful, and you are doing something that you know people really appreciate and are thankful for, which is great,” she adds.
“Bringing a smile to the face of a sick baby is such a wonderful feeling.”