At 73 years of age, Dave Whitlow could be forgiven for spending his Tuesdays and Thursdays sleeping in, playing golf or meeting for coffee with fellow retirees.
But instead, the father of two and grandfather of three heads into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he’s been volunteering for the past eight years.
As a “Baby Cuddler,” Dave spends time with five to eight children, holding and praying over them when either their parents cannot be there or the hospital simply doesn’t have the staff to do it.
“It’s the best gig I’ve ever had,” he recently said. “It just feels right.”
While gently holding a premature boy, Dave explained his method to CBS this past spring.
“I watch the monitors first to see whether positionally there’s anything to do to improve, but he looks pretty good,” Whitlow told the reporter. “His sats are at 100%, so that’s what we’re looking for.”
Before picking up each child, he makes sure he’s been first briefed by a doctor or nurse.
“I ask the nurse, ‘Tell me. Tell me what this child is receiving. What kind of treatment? Is there anything special I need to know about it?’” Whitlow shared.
Studies have confirmed that children who are cuddled show a reduction in stress, enjoy more stable heart and breathing rates, sleep more soundly, and are more likely to develop physically and emotionally on schedule.
Pro-life advocates are often depicted protesting outside abortion clinics, marching in rallies and advocating for legislation that protects pre-born life. Some of them give speeches, write articles and engage robustly with abortion zealots online.
Then there are people like Dave Whitlow, who quietly and consistently demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life by holding babies.
The Lord calls each of us to different vineyards. That’s because we’re all uniquely wired and gifted.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace,” urged Peter (1 Peter 4:10 ESV).
Many children’s hospitals have programs similar to VCU. All it takes is a phone call or an email to inquire about local needs and opportunities. You’ll have to apply, interview and undergo screening and background checks, but you’ll undoubtedly discover that it’s incredibly fulfilling to minister to vulnerable children.
Of course, there are countless other ways to help out, too. Perhaps the Lord is calling you and your spouse to become foster parents or even pursue adoption. Pregnancy medical clinics need people to answer phones and interact with abortion-vulnerable young women. They need mature men to come alongside the boyfriends of women and help them navigate this very scary season.
It was the late Mother Teresa who once said, “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”
The Children’s Hospital in Richmond is not a Christian facility, but that hasn’t prevented Dave from praying a blessing on each child he holds. Before leaving each one, he prays, “Grow strong, grow smart, grow kind.”
“This is what I want from people in general,” he explained.
We applaud Dave Whitlow’s efforts and share his story in the hope that his example might inspire others to ask the Lord to guide them to areas of need and opportunity.