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A large number of premature babies are born every month in the country and this shows the importance of kangaroo care starting right from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Kangaroo care or skin-to-skin care is the act of holding a baby that involves direct and continuous contact between the parent’s chest and the baby’s bare body and is beneficial for both premature and full-term babies.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Atul Palve, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital in Lullanagar, Pune, shared, “Kangaroo care regulates the baby’s heart rate, temperature and breathing, thereby improving the overall health of babies. This close physical contact releases oxytocin in both parties, thereby promoting feelings of love and attachment. Moreover, this practice can help reduce stress levels in both the baby and the mother by creating a relaxing environment that mimics the womb experience.”
Kangaroo care is an important practice for premature babies in the NICU as it promotes many physical and emotional benefits. Dr. Atul Palve explained, “Intimate skin-to-skin contact between the infant and parent helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, thereby promoting optimal physical development. In addition, kangaroo care helps increase bonding between parents and their prematurely born infants, thereby reducing stress levels for both parties. Kangaroo care may help stabilize a premature baby’s blood sugar levels and promote weight gain. This close bond also helps reduce the risk of infection by boosting immunity through exposure to the parent’s skin microbiota.”
He elaborated, “The sensory stimulation provided during kangaroo care can positively impact the infant’s neurological development, potentially leading to improved cognitive outcomes later in life. Both fathers and mothers experience reduced levels of anxiety during kangaroo care, and babies also experience a reduction in stress, regardless of which parent is carrying it out. Mothers who swear by kangaroo care are more confident in caring for their little ones, have increased milk production and successful breastfeeding.”
Important tips for kangaroo care of your baby:
Dr. Atul Palve advises, “Ensure a comfortable and safe position for both parent and baby. This can be done by placing the baby skin-to-skin on the parent’s chest, with their head slightly tilted, maintaining an open airway. It is important to ensure that both parents are relaxed and in a calm state of mind before beginning kangaroo care, as this will help create a soothing environment for both parent and baby. It is important to maintain good skin-to-skin contact throughout the session. This involves placing the baby’s bare chest directly on the parent’s skin, allowing them to feel each other’s warmth and heartbeat. Creating a calm and gentle environment during kangaroo care can also enhance bonding between parent and baby, promoting feelings of security and trust that are essential for healthy development.”
Keep these points in mind:
Talking about kangaroo care, Dr. Atul Palve suggested, “Try to spend at least 45 minutes doing kangaroo care in the NICU. Before caring for the baby, take a bath and clean yourself thoroughly. Check for any rashes or open wounds on your chest and treat them with the help of a doctor. It is not a good idea to do kangaroo care if you have a skin infection. It is strictly prohibited to use perfumes, chemical products or scented creams before kangaroo care. If you hold your baby for a long time, make sure to pump the breast while doing kangaroo care and ask the nurse if you need any help. While doing kangaroo care, the baby should only wear a diaper and the mother should remove her bra.”
She added, “When it comes to fathers, they should be bare chested while bonding with the baby. The hospital staff, especially your nurse, will help place your baby on your chest. Once your baby is on your chest, cover the baby with a blanket, then button or zip up your shirt. This will help the baby stay warm and in place. Mothers should feel comfortable during this process and sit in a cushioned chair so they can lean back if needed and make sure the baby is comfortable too. By choosing this simple yet powerful way of bonding with their newborns, parents can give them a warm and nurturing start to life. Kangaroo care should be encouraged for new mothers as it will produce exceptional results in terms of the baby’s wellbeing.”
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