More than 120 amigurumis octopuses are delivered to the Hospital Materno Infantil Santa Catarina

In recent months, the councilor of Morro da Fumaça, Jorgia Guglielmi (PSDB), led a campaign that resulted in the production of 120 amigurumi octopuses, aiming to provide comfort and support to premature newborns undergoing treatment at the Hospital Materno Infantil Santa Catarina (HMISC). The project, which received contributions from people from different municipalities, including Morro da Fumaça, Criciúma, Jaguaruna and Sangão, highlighted the importance of solidarity and community mobilization.

The councilor’s initiative began with publicizing an urgent need on social media, seeking the collaboration of crocheters and crochet thread donors. Amigurumi octopuses, recognized for their proven therapeutic technique in neonatal Intensive Care Units (ICUs), have gained prominence and popularity throughout Brazil.

The campaign, launched on social media by the councilor, quickly gained support not only in Morro da Fumaça, but also throughout the region. Jorgia, who is also a healthcare professional, was informed by the hospital team about the shortage of octopuses for babies undergoing treatment at the maternal and child hospital in Criciúma and embraced the campaign.

“At the hospital, employees explained the extremely important role that the octopus plays on babies, which moved me, as there were few units available and demand is high. When I launched the campaign, many people approached me to contribute, in addition to several crocheters who voluntarily raised awareness of making these very special octopuses for children in the neonatal ICU”, he said.

Nurse Camila from the Maternal and Child Hospital thanked the campaign. “It’s very special and important for our babies, especially for their recovery. And certainly, seeing these people with their babies makes the parents feel safer too, along with all the love and affection reflected in this gesture. We at Hospital Materno Infantil Santa Catarina are grateful for all the mobilization”, said nurse Camila.

Daniela Gabriel, owner of the Maria Linhas e Botões store that embraced the campaign, already knew the important role of amigurumi octopuses. She said that she had the participation of friends and customers of the store with donations of threads for the crocheters. “I was very happy because I have already experienced this moment of a baby in the ICU, they play a very important role in the child’s recovery. Such a simple thing is as if the mother were there with the children. And I thank Jorgia for looking for us and I thank all the friends and customers who dedicated themselves, who embraced this cause. I thank each and every one of you”, said Daniela.

The octopuses made over the last four months were delivered last Friday, the 3rd. “I want to thank everyone who contributed and participated in the campaign. I want to highlight here the active participation of the trade Maria Linhas e Botões de Morro da Fumaça, Daniela Gabriel, and also of the crocheters from Escola Profissional Idalina Machado de Freitas. I’m sure that the octopuses will bring a lot of comfort to the children in the maternal and child ICU. Thank you very much to everyone”, concluded the councilor.

Amigurumi octopuses

Amigurumi octopuses, originally from Denmark, have tentacles that resemble the umbilical cord and a soft, comforting texture that provides pleasant sensations to premature babies. Evidence shows that babies gain weight and demonstrate greater calmness while interacting with these friendly crochet octopuses.

To guarantee the safety and hygiene of amigurumi octopuses, they are made entirely of cotton and filled with synthetic material to avoid any risk of fungal proliferation. Each octopus is carefully made according to a strict measurement protocol, not exceeding 22 centimeters, and goes through washing and sterilization processes, ensuring that they are ready for use by premature babies. It is important to highlight that octopuses can be taken home by the baby after hospital discharge.

“The octopus must meet hygiene standards and be the ideal size for premature babies. Each octopus must be made with 100% cotton yarn. All items go through a meticulous washing and sterilization process before being delivered to the babies,” he explained. Councilor Jorgia.