Generally, there’s not much variation when it comes to the medical field. Tests and procedures are done in a certain way, and things are standardized as much as possible. But Dr. Erik Bostrom, from Northern Minnesota, is putting a new twist on patient stitches!
The 33-year-old family doctor sews personalized baby blankets for every baby he delivers.
The practice started as a way to attract new patients. He had just joined the Riverwood Healthcare Center and wanted to do something that would help him stand out. “I thought I had to do something to try and get patients to come see me as the new guy,” he explained.
A nurse suggested he make baby blankets, and the idea took off from there. But at the time, human skin was the only thing Dr. Bostrom had stitched before!
Buying a used sewing machine and recruiting his mother and sister-in-law for help, Dr. Bostrom slowly learned to sew and embroider— even devoting an entire room of his house to the craft!
“They taught me how to use a sewing machine,” he told The Star Tribune.
“It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.”
At first, each blanket consisted solely of a cuddly side and decorative side. Now, however, with his expanding skill set, Dr. Bostrom embroiders each blanket with the baby’s name, birthday, height, and weight. Each takes approximately three hours to make.
As you can imagine, the blankets are a hit amongst his patients.
When Lucie Heitalati and her daughter received a blanket at their two-month appointment, the new mom couldn’t believe her eyes: “He came in, and he’s like, ‘Well, I have something.’ And he brings out this beautiful, pink blanket.”
“It’s a beautiful blanket. It’s something she’ll cherish her entire life,” Lacie said.
Indeed, Dr. Bostrom told Fox 9 News, his patients are “usually super thankful and love it.”
“I’ve had a few tear up on me,” he revealed.
Although Bostrom is a family doctor, he still delivers one to two babies a month. For him, the births are a pleasant change of pace. Oftentimes, he meets with sick and grieving families, but during the birth of a baby, there is nothing but joy.
The doctor hopes to carry on this tradition for the rest of his career.
When The Uplift featured Bostrom’s story, the video immediately went viral.
In just eight weeks, it has garnered over 22 million views.
Oftentimes, the medical industry can seem impersonal and brash. It’s refreshing to see a doctor caring for his patients in such a unique way.
“We need more doctors like him, and that shows me he really truly cares. And to make them in his spare free time? That’s so caring and wonderful.”
“That is so amazing. One great Dr. you are, and your work is so beautiful.”
“Beautiful! We do need more doctors like him— that care about the people, each and every one. God bless!”
Watch the video below!
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