Why Kangaroo Care Is Good for Premature Babies

Caring for premature babies requires diligent attention and a sophisticated approach to ensure optimal development. One effective approach that has gained widespread recognition is kangaroo care. Kangaroo care for premature babies involves skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and the father, providing various health benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of kangaroo care and provide tips for caring for premature babies to help parents properly support their newborns.

What is Kangaroo Care?

Kangaroo care, also known colloquially as skin-to-skin care, involves placing a premature baby on the father's chest in direct skin-to-skin contact. The practice is named after kangaroos because it mimics the way these marsupials transport their offspring in their pouches. Kangaroo care for premature babies is a simple yet effective technique that can be used in clinics and private homes.

Benefits of Kangaroo Care

Increased Bonding and Emotional Affection

A major benefit of kangaroo care is the enhanced bonding between the provider and the newborn. This close physical contact fosters strong emotional bonding, which is essential for the newborn's psychological and emotional maturity. The newborn can feel the provider's warmth, heartbeat, and olfactory stimulation, all contributing to a sense of security.

Improved Physiological Balance

Kangaroo Mother Care for premature infants helps stabilize the newborn's physiological parameters. Empirical evidence shows that newborns who receive Kangaroo Mother Care have more stable heart rhythms, faster respiratory rates, and improved blood oxygen saturation. This balance is essential for the overall health and development of premature infants.

Improved Weight Gain

Premature infants often struggle with weight gain, which is essential for their growth and development. Kangaroo Mother Care for premature infants can promote weight gain by enhancing the newborn's breastfeeding ability. Direct contact can promote frequent breastfeeding, which supports better nutrition and growth.

Reduced Hospital Length of Stay

One of the main benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care is the potential to reduce the length of hospital stay for premature infants. Newborns who receive Kangaroo Mother Care typically have shorter stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to improved health and stability. This not only benefits the newborn's health but also reduces stress and financial burden on the family.

Enhanced Immune Function

Kangaroo Mother Care for premature infants has been associated with improved immune function. Close contact facilitates the transfer of beneficial microbiota from progenitor cells to the newborn, strengthening the newborn's immune system. This is especially important for premature infants, who are more susceptible to infection.

Tips for Caring for A Premature Infant

Continuous Kangaroo Care

Make Kangaroo Care part of your newborn's daily routine. Continuous care is essential to get the most benefit from Kangaroo Care. Provide at least one hour of skin-to-skin contact each day to stabilize your newborn's physiological parameters and promote bonding.

Carefully Monitor Your Newborn's Signals

Pay attention to your newborn's cues and hints during Kangaroo Care. Adjust positioning or take a break if your newborn seems uncomfortable or worried. Kangaroo Care for your premature infant should be a calm and stress-free experience for both the newborn and the birthing infant.

Promote Breastfeeding

Use skin-to-skin contact to encourage breastfeeding. Warmth and closeness can stimulate your newborn's natural feeding instinct. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, seek advice from a lactation consultant.

Maintain a Quiet Environment

Create a calm and peaceful environment during Kangaroo Care. Minimize noise and distractions so your newborn can relax and enjoy the benefits of this bonding time. A calm environment reduces stress for both the newborn and the birthing infant, which enhances the benefits of Kangaroo Care.

Informed Support and Education

Be familiar with the different aspects of caring for your premature infant. Join a support group and connect with other parents of premature babies to exchange experiences and tips. The more informed you are and the more support you have, the better you will be at caring for your newborn.

Psychological and Cognitive Development

Improved Neurological Development

Kangaroo Care for premature babies has been shown to positively impact neurological maturation. Somatosensory and exteroceptive stimulation from skin-to-skin interactions aids the development of neuroplasticity in the brain and leads to better cognitive and sensory development in premature babies.

Reduced Stress for Infants And Parents

Another major benefit of Kangaroo Care is reduced stress for infants and parents. Skin-to-skin contact's calming effects can reduce cortisol levels in premature babies, promote calmness, and alleviate stress-related developmental disorders.

Social and Behavioural Benefits

Improved Social Interactions

Premature babies who receive Kangaroo Care tend to show improvements in social interactions as they mature. The initial contact and emotional connection provided by Kangaroo Care strengthens their ability to connect and interact, laying a strong foundation for later social development.

Increased Parental Trust

Kangaroo Care for premature babies can also increase parental confidence and competence. Tactile involvement in caring for a premature baby can empower parents, reduce feelings of helplessness, and encourage a proactive parenting style.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Less Frequency of Infections

Premature babies are particularly susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not yet developed. A significant benefit of Kangaroo Care is a lower infection rate, as close contact and transfer of beneficial microbiota strengthen the baby's immune defences.

Reduced Risk of Developmental Delays

Long-term studies have found that premature babies who received Kangaroo Care had fewer developmental delays than those who did not receive pouch care. The constant stimulation and nurturing environment created by skin-to-skin contact is essential for promoting overall developmental milestones.

Practical Tips for Implementing Kangaroo Care

For the Well-Being of Parents And Babies

To maximize the benefits of Kangaroo Care, ensure that parents and newborns are comfortable during the care. Use a recliner or ergonomic chair and ensure that the ambient temperature remains warm and does not induce hyperthermia.

Integrate Kangaroo Care into Daily Life

Integrate Kangaroo Care seamlessly into your daily life. Schedule regular activities around mealtimes or naptimes to create a consistent pattern that your newborn can look forward to and enjoy. This consistency is essential to getting the most benefit from Kangaroo Care.

Use of Support Devices

Kangaroo Care for premature infants can be made easier using various support devices, such as special wraps or slings. These devices help maintain the correct position and provide additional support, allowing parents to hold their newborns longer.

Conclusion

Kangaroo Care for premature infants is a simple yet extremely effective method that provides many benefits to both newborns and preemies. From increased bonding and emotional affection to improved physiological balance and immune function, the benefits of Kangaroo Care are extensive. By incorporating this practice into your daily life and following these important tips for caring for a premature infant, you can greatly support the development and well-being of your newborn. Harness the power of Kangaroo Care and watch its healing effects on the life of a premature infant.