What is Kangaroo Care?
This is a special way to hold your baby skin-to-skin, against your bare chest. It is called “Kangaroo Care” because this is how a baby kangaroo moves from the womb to the kangaroo pouch to grow. Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged for all babies regardless of their gestational age, and YES, dads can do it too!
There are so many benefits associated with Skin-to-Skin. To name a few…
It can help your BABY:
Have a more stable heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate
Be less stressed, which helps with digestion and growth
Regulate body temperature and conserve calories
Learn to breastfeed
Receive protection from infection
Feel loved and secure
It can help YOU:
Bond with your baby
Feel closeness with your baby
Feel more relaxed and calm
Increase your confidence in your ability to meet your baby’s needs when you hold him/her
Know that your baby is well cared for
Produce more breast milk and breastfeed longer
What do I need to do to prepare?
Take a shower
Wear a bra and shirt that opens in the front, or wear a stretchy shirt or hospital gown
Do not wear cologne or perfume because the smell can be too strong for your baby’s underdeveloped respiratory system
Known that your baby will be dressed only in a diaper and knit hat
Count on your baby’s nurse to help you get comfortable by finding you a comfortable chair, blankets, pillow, and privacy screen/partition.
Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around you. The smell lingers on your skin and clothes, and you will not be allowed to hold your baby for his/her protection and safety.
How will I know my baby is okay?
Your baby will be hooked up to the same monitor that he/she is currently on
Your baby’s temperature will be checked at regular intervals
You will feel/hear your baby’s breathing and other movements
How long can I hold my baby?
The baby’s transition from lying down in bed to upright in his/her skin-to-skin position is very hard for them to do. You should plan to hold your baby this way for at least an hour so he/she can get adjusted. As long as your baby can tolerate the position, they are safe to remain in your arms until their next feeding time.