Spotlight On Tara Sundem, Founder Hushabye Nursery

Where Love Heals

 

Since opening in 2020, Hushabye Nursery has provided a safe and loving haven for over 1,000 babies born opioid-dependent, assisting them in safely overcoming the effects of these substances. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work with these vulnerable infants?

The most rewarding aspect of this work is seeing the transformation that love, compassion, and education can bring to families. Watching a struggling mother hold her baby for the first time and realize that she has the power to comfort and care for her child is an indescribable moment. It’s about restoring hope—showing parents they can overcome their challenges and be the best possible caregivers for their babies. Knowing that we’re not just helping the babies heal but also uniting and strengthening families fills my heart every single day.

 

Please share a success story of a family who has benefited from the Hushabye program

One of my favorite stories is about a grandmother who called us desperately trying to help her soon-to-be-born grandchild. The baby’s parents were living on the streets and struggling with opioid addiction. When the baby arrived, he required pharmacological support and round-the-clock care, but what stood out was how the parents slowly began to engage with their child.

By offering food, a place to sleep, and compassionate care, we earned their trust. On the third night, the mother soothed her crying baby for the first time—a turning point for both her and the baby. Today, the family is thriving. The parents are sober, working, and living in their own apartment, and the foster mom who initially cared for the baby is now their babysitter. This story embodies what we do: creating a safe space for healing, hope, and family unification.

 

What is the ‘Eat, Sleep, Console’ treatment plan used at Hushabye Nursery?

The “Eat, Sleep, Console” (ESC) treatment plan is a family-centered approach to neonatal withdrawal care. Instead of immediately relying on medication, we focus on meeting the baby’s basic needs. We help parents learn how to soothe their baby through skin-to-skin contact, holding, swaddling, feeding, and creating a calm environment. The idea is simple yet powerful—babies thrive when their parents are present and engaged in their care. This method not only reduces the need for medications but also strengthens the bond between parents and their newborns, fostering healing for the entire family.

 

Hushabye Nursery provides comprehensive support to parents and caregivers, including peer support, parenting classes, and case management. Are these services available to families for an extended period after their child’s discharge from the nursery?

Absolutely! Our support doesn’t end when a family leaves the nursery. We offer ongoing peer support, parenting classes, and case management to ensure families have the tools they need to thrive. Whether it’s connecting them with housing, employment resources, or addiction treatment, we are here to walk alongside them for as long as they need. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by helping families build a stable, supportive environment for their children.

 

You are known for the phrase ‘Be a World Changer.’ What was the inspiration behind this powerful message?

“Be a World Changer” was inspired by the belief that even small acts of kindness can ripple outward to create profound change. At Hushabye Nursery, we see it every day—a word of encouragement, a gesture of support, or simply saying “Congratulations” to a mom can transform how she sees herself and her future. Everyone has the power to make a difference, and this phrase serves as a reminder that changing one life changes the world for that person, their family, and their community.

 

Any plans to expand to other locations in the Valley or other states?

Expansion is certainly part of our vision. We’ve seen how impactful the Hushabye Model of Care is, and we want to ensure that more families across Arizona—and eventually, the nation—have access to this kind of compassionate, family-centered care. We are actively exploring opportunities to bring our model to other communities, but we’re taking it one step at a time to ensure we maintain the quality and integrity of our services.

 

What is your vision for the future of Hushabye Nursery?

My vision for Hushabye Nursery is to make our model of care the standard for every substance-exposed baby and their family across the country. I dream of a world where families receive the support they need without judgment, where babies are born into environments of love and stability, and where the cycle of addiction is broken for good.

We’re not just treating symptoms — we’re transforming lives. I want that transformation to reach as many families as possible.

 

Learn more on ways to give at https://www.hushabyenursery.org/donate/#waystogive/