Kangaroo Care for Premature Infants

Kangaroo care is a term for skin-to-skin contact between caregiver and infant. The baby is held against mother or father’s chest between the breasts in an effort to comfort and bond. The concept originated from South America after two physicians discovered its many benefits. Amazingly, studies show that premature infants thrive from kangaroo care and may spend up to 50% less time in the hospital if cared for this way.

There are many possible health complications in a preterm newborn. As a result, their stay in the hospital is often longer. Kangaroo care is a great way to cut down on stress for both the child and the parents. Many hospitals now recommend that either parent visit with the baby, sit down in a chair, and hold the baby upright and bare chested against their bare chest. The baby’s head is then turned so that the ear is over the parent’s heartbeat. This bonding experience calms both parties and allows the newborn to sleep deeper.

Not only does kangaroo care cut down the stress level, there are real physiological occurrences between the parent and child, especially when the mother is holding the baby. Proponents of co-sleeping have long since argued that a newborn sleeping close to his mother seems to use her as a pacemaker that regulates his breathing. Studies have also been conducted that showed a mother’s temperature fluctuate up and down when holding the baby. When the baby would get chilly, the mother’s skin would get hotter. When baby become overheated, the mother’s body would cool down.

Another major benefit of kangaroo care, especially for the fragile preemies, is the convenience for breastfeeding. Preemies who are kangarooed have an easier time adjusting to breastfeeding. The position encourages spontaneous feeding from the baby, as he smells his mother’s milk. Also, the mother will experience more instances of let-down, the act of milk filling the breast for feeding. This will promote his wellness and weight gain.

The two neonatologists that discovered kangaroo care did their research in Colombia. As their resources were limited, they were forced to rediscover what is a natural, healthy bond between parents and their child. Many parents continue to “wear” their child, with great results. In fact, since the implementation of the practice in Columbia, the newborn mortality rate has dropped by over 50%. It seems that nature still has its place in modern science.