NICU Babies Celebrate First Halloween

**St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands NICU Hosts “Halloween Heartwarmers” for Tiniest Patients**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX – October 30, 2023** – Over at St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital, their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) recently transformed into a hub of heartwarming festivity, hosting a special “Halloween Heartwarmers” event for its most vulnerable patients. The initiative, which took place on **Friday, October 27th**, aimed to bring a touch of normalcy, joy, and cherished memories to families navigating the challenging journey of having a baby in critical care.

For many of these infants, still weeks or months away from their original due dates, this marked their very first Halloween. Dressed in an array of adorable costumes, from tiny pumpkins and cuddly superheroes to miniature animals, the NICU babies provided a much-needed morale boost for their parents and the dedicated medical staff.

Ashley Tovar, a Child Life Specialist at St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands, was instrumental in coordinating the special initiative. “Our goal with ‘Halloween Heartwarmers’ was to help families create meaningful memories during what can often be a stressful and emotionally draining time,” Tovar explained. “Celebrating milestones, even small ones like a baby’s first Halloween, is incredibly important for parents. It reminds them that even within the confines of the NICU, life’s special moments can still be honored and cherished.”

Professional photos of each little one were captured by Jennifer Wiler from Little Moments Photography, ensuring these precious, early Halloween moments were beautifully preserved for families. Wiler, who specializes in newborn and family photography, volunteered her time and expertise to the event. “It’s an honor to be part of something so special,” Wiler commented. “Seeing the smiles on parents’ faces as their babies, despite all they’re going through, get to experience a piece of childhood joy, is incredibly rewarding.”

Beyond the cute outfits and professional portraits, each participating family received a unique “Halloween Heartwarmers” memory book. These custom keepsakes featured special footprint art of their baby, providing a tangible reminder of this unique celebration. The memory books are designed to become treasured family heirlooms, helping parents document their baby’s journey and celebrate every step of their progress.

The NICU at St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands provides highly specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns, often meaning extended stays for families. Events like “Halloween Heartwarmers” are a testament to the hospital’s commitment to holistic care, recognizing that emotional and psychological support for families is just as vital as medical treatment for their babies.

“It meant the world to us,” shared one parent whose baby participated in the event. “When your baby is in the NICU, you miss out on so many ‘firsts.’ To have the hospital go out of their way to create this memory for us, to see our little one dressed up and smiling – it truly lifted our spirits and made us feel like a normal family, even if just for a little while.”

St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands continues to seek innovative ways to support families and enhance the patient experience, fostering an environment where hope and healing thrive.

For more information about St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands, visit [stlukeshealth.org/thewoodlands](https://www.stlukeshealth.org/thewoodlands).
To learn more about Little Moments Photography, visit [littlemomentsphotography.com](https://www.littlemomentsphotography.com).

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**About St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital:**
St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital is a faith-based, non-profit healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. As part of CommonSpirit Health, St. Luke’s Health offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, orthopedics, cardiology, women’s services, and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, serving the health needs of The Woodlands and surrounding communities.

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