Members of the Gallatin Quilt Guild made a heartfelt donation to Bozeman Health Foundation to support newborn infants being cared for in the Bozeman Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Their gift of 400 hand crafted ‘scent hearts’ helps strengthen the bond between parents and their infants during their infant’s intensive care stays.

Parents wear the ultra- soft fabric hearts close to their skin to absorb their unique scent and they are then placed under or near the infant’s head during times when parents cannot be with their infants.

“There is incredible research that provides evidence these familiar scents strengthen bonds, provide comfort, reduce infant stress and can even aide in breastmilk supply for mothers,” Katy Short, NICU nurse manager, said.

Susan Freund, longtime Bozeman Health NICU volunteer and guild member, helped spearhead the partnership. She said members of the guild experience great joy giving back by handcrafting items and using their quilting, knitting and crocheting talents to make a positive difference and provide comfort and care to patients at Bozeman Health.

Over the years, the guild has donated a variety of items including blankets for newborns and knitted hats for patients in the Bozeman Health Cancer Center. We are grateful for the guild and the beautiful items they provide for our patients. Watch the video reel of the Guild’s recent scent hearts delivery to the Bozeman Health NICU.