That warmth and smell of your newborn baby... It's a feeling that can't be described in words, isn't it? Today we're going to talk about a very simple, loving way for a mother or father to strengthen that bond with their child, and to bring amazing benefits to the child's health. We call this "kangaroo care."
What exactly is Kangaroo Care?
Simply put, kangaroo care is a special way of holding your baby close to your chest. It involves holding your baby, wearing only a diaper (and perhaps a hat and socks for warmth), on your bare chest. This allows for direct skin-to-skin contact between your baby and your skin .
Imagine the way a mother kangaroo carries her baby in her pouch. That's the kind of security, warmth, and affection that the baby gets through this method. It's a very special experience that strengthens the bond between you and your baby. It also has amazing medical benefits. This method is especially valuable for babies born with low birth weight and preterm babies .
You can do this kangaroo care at home or in the hospital. Even babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can do this with the guidance of the medical staff. You can talk to your doctor to find out if this can be done even if your baby is on an IV or other medical equipment.
This is also commonly known as "Kangaroo mother care" because many studies have found the benefits of mothers providing this care. But it is not limited to mothers. Fathers, other family members, and grandparents can also provide this loving care to their babies.
What is skin-to-skin contact?
Often, the terms kangaroo care and skin-to-skin contact are used interchangeably. Skin-to-skin contact is when the baby is placed directly on the mother's chest, especially during the first hour after birth, known as the "golden hour." The medical staff will wipe the baby, put a hat on his head, and wrap him in a warm blanket, then place him on your chest.
The first few hours of cuddling your baby right after birth are a precious time for you and your baby to get to know each other. It also has many health benefits for your baby. Research has shown that this method is a great help for your baby to start breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding .
How to properly perform kangaroo care at home?
At the hospital, the nursing staff will show you how to do this. When doing this at home, you can follow these simple steps. It's very easy.
The most important thing is for both you and your baby to be relaxed and comfortable. Don't worry. This is your time together.
| Steps | What to do is simple. |
|---|---|
| 1. Dress comfortably. | Wear something comfortable. It's best to wear something that has buttons in the front and can be easily unbuttoned. You'll want to hold the baby directly against your chest. If you're wearing a bra, you'll need to take it off too. |
| 2. Hold the baby on the chest. | Hold the baby in an upright position between your chest. Turn the baby's head to one side. This will make it easier for the baby to breathe. Keep the baby dressed in only a diaper, a hat, and two socks. |
| 3. Cover the baby well. | Once you and your baby are both comfortable, drape a warm, light blanket or cloth over your baby's back. This will help keep your baby warm. If necessary, you can also wrap your baby with a cloth while holding him or her close to you. |
| 4. Both of you stay relaxed. | Now you have to hold the baby and relax. Breathe normally. At this time, let the baby be free and sleep. Don't tease the baby or go play. Most importantly, for the baby's safety, you shouldn't sleep at this time. You need to stay awake. |
The benefits of spending as much time with your baby as possible are many. Choose a time that is convenient for both you and your baby. Early morning or after your baby has been bathed is a good time for this.
Don't mention these things when doing kangaroo care!
To make this loving care a safe and comfortable experience for your baby, you need to take care of these things as well.
| Things to avoid in kangaroo care | |
|---|---|
| Phones and other devices | Put your phone and tablet aside during this time. These can distract you from your baby. It is important for your baby's safety and to build a bond between you, but it is also important for your baby to have your full attention. |
| Skin cleanliness | Make sure your skin is clean before you cuddle your baby. Do not apply perfumes or lotions. Do not do this treatment if you have any skin infections such as blisters, wounds, or cold sores. |
| Smoking | Avoid smoking completely before or during kangaroo care. Cigarette smoke is very harmful to the baby's health. |
| If you are sick. | It takes about 2-3 months for a baby's immune system to fully develop. So, it's important to protect your baby from germs during this time. It's best to avoid this treatment if you have a cold or flu. Unless your doctor tells you to wear a face mask. |
| If you are tired or sleepy | This is extremely important . Do not do this treatment if you are very tired or feel sleepy. This can be dangerous for the baby if you fall asleep. This can also increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) . So if you are tired, ask your partner or another family member to take care of the baby while you rest. |
What are the amazing benefits of kangaroo care?
The benefits of this simple method for both you and your baby are innumerable. Especially for preterm and low birth weight babies, it can be the difference between life and death.
Benefits for the baby
- Heart rate stabilization: The baby's heart rate remains stable while the warmth and heartbeat of mom or dad's chest are heard.
- Breathing becomes more regular: The baby's breathing pattern becomes more regular.
- Getting good sleep: The baby gets comfortable, deep sleep. This is very important for the baby's brain development.
- Supporting healthy growth: Research has found that babies who receive this care gain weight well.
- Pain relief: When undergoing painful tests, such as a heel prick test, holding the baby in this way reduces the pain.
- Body temperature control: The baby's body temperature drops, reducing the risk of hypothermia.
- Reduced risk of infection and death: This simple method has been a great help in reducing the risk of serious infection and death, especially in countries with limited medical facilities.
Benefits for mom/dad
- Strengthening the bond with your baby: When you hold your baby skin-to-skin, the "love hormone" called oxytocin is released. This greatly strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
- Easier breastfeeding and increased milk supply: This method greatly helps in successful breastfeeding. It also stimulates the hormone prolactin, increasing breast milk production.
- Increased self-confidence in caring for your baby: You will gain greater confidence in your ability to recognize and respond to your baby's needs. This will also help reduce postpartum stress.
How did this "kangaroo care" start?
Holding your baby close to your chest has been a practice for mothers throughout history. But it was not until the late 1970s, when it was called "kangaroo care," that it began to be developed as a medical practice in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. At the time, the premature infant mortality rate was very high.
While doctors Edgar Rey and Hector Martinez were searching for a solution to this problem, they had the opportunity to speak with a wet nurse from a village. She explained how she kept her newborn babies wrapped tightly in cloths and placed them on her chest. She said that this improved the health and development of the babies.
Taking this idea, the two doctors have been experimenting with this skin-to-skin care on mothers and babies at their hospital. They have named the method "kangaroo mother care" because it resembles the way a baby kangaroo grows inside its mother's pouch.
This effort was more successful than expected. They were able to reduce premature infant deaths by 70% within the first year .
Meanwhile, researchers in the US were also investigating the benefits of this skin-to-skin contact. They found that the first few minutes and hours after a baby is born are the most crucial time for parents to bond with their baby.
Today, researchers have discovered many other benefits of kangaroo care. It helps babies sleep and breathe more smoothly, makes breastfeeding more successful, and helps create a healthy bond between parents and baby.
Your little one is just starting to see the world and get to know you. If you're a first-time parent, everything will feel new to you. Kangaroo care is a way for both of you to learn together. So don't worry too much about the hours, "Am I doing this right?" Do it in a way that's comfortable for you, and that feels right to you. Make the most of this time you have.
Take-Home Message
- Kangaroo care is when you hold your baby on your chest, without a diaper on, and with your clothes off. This skin-to-skin contact is very beneficial for both you and your baby.
- Although this is especially important for premature and low birth weight babies, this care can be provided to any healthy baby.
- Not only the mother, but also the father, grandmother, and even the uncle can provide this loving care to the baby.
- This helps regulate the baby's heartbeat, breathing, and body temperature. It also helps to make breastfeeding successful and strengthen the bond between parents and baby.
- Safety first! Never sleep while doing kangaroo care. If you are tired, let someone else take care of the baby and rest.
- If your baby has any health problems or you have any questions about this, please consult your doctor or nurse.
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