Question: What is Kangaroo Care?
Answer: Kangaroo Care is a form of care that utilizes skin-to-skin contact to help your baby grow and thrive. This can be used in any setting - home or hospital. It can be done by mom or dad. Studies have found that premature infants actually grow faster when they are afforded the skin-to-skin opportunities. Babies have been shown to maintain their oxygen levels better as well as begin breastfeeding sooner.
Be sure to talk to your baby's team of practitioners as when to best start Kangaroo care. Tubes and machines don't need to be removed, just tuck it all into your shirt (button downs work well) or place the baby on your chest and wrap you both in a blanket.
I recommend this book for more information: Kangaroo Care;The Best You Can Do to Help Your Preterm Infant
1/1/06
