Guest: Lynn Harris
NICU Baby Cuddler, Vietnam Veteran
In this episode, we chat about:
- Lynn Harris’ unexpected path from retired U.S. Army veteran to longtime NICU volunteer and baby cuddler at St. David’s Medical Center.
- How holding, soothing, and comforting NICU babies can support infants while also giving parents peace of mind when they can’t be at the bedside.
- The unique role volunteers play as part of the larger NICU care team alongside nurses, doctors, staff, and families.
- What Lynn has learned from spending years with NICU babies, including the joy, humor, and emotional weight of the work.
- Why Lynn encourages others — especially men — to consider volunteering and discover how meaningful it can be to support NICU families in simple, human ways.
About the guest
Lynn Harris is a retired U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin. For more than a decade, he has served in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a “baby cuddler,” providing comfort and gentle care to premature and medically fragile newborns. Known for his steady presence and compassion, Lynn has spent thousands of hours soothing infants through holding, swaddling, and calm reassurance, offering support during some of their most critical early days. His volunteer work has made him a valued and familiar figure among NICU staff and families alike.