Kangaroo Care

Have you ever wondered what skin-to-skin or kangaroo care is and why it’s so important? Kangaroo care was initially developed to help mothers of premature newborns in limited-resource countries provide warmth to their babies during their hospital stay.

Kangaroo care not only provides warmth but also fosters bonding and many health benefits for newborns, infants, and their parents. Whether your baby is born premature or term, breast and/or bottle feeding, kangaroo care is an experience that should be a part of every newborn’s daily care.

Benefits of Kangaroo Care/Skin-to-Skin

• Helps establish breastfeeding & milk supply.

• Promotes bonding

• Regulates mom’s hormones

• Decreases parental depression & stress

• Regulates babies’ temperature, heart rate & breathing

• Promotes better sleep, weight gain

How do I do skin-to-skin care?

Skin-to-skin or kangaroo care involves placing your baby on your bare chest. The baby is also unclothed with only a diaper and placed on the parent’s chest, with a light covering over both of you. This can also be done with a baby sling/wrap, also known as baby-wearing. The benefits of Kangaroo care can have a lasting impact on you and your baby!

This article was written by Renee Vilaire. Renee has been working with the Mother and infant dyad for over 15 years and is currently studying to become an IBCLC and is mentoring with Mooch.