Kangaroo Care is a technique involving caring for babies in a way that supports their development. The baby is placed on the parent’s chest, which allows they have skin to skin contact without the barriers of an incubator. This will benefit the baby’s growth and development.
Susan Grevatt, Staff Nurse on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), said:
“Research has shown that skin to skin care helps babies to adjust to life outside the womb; They have better temperature control and are calmer and less likely to cry for extended periods; reducing energy expenditure.
Babies who enjoyed lots of skin to skin with their mother or father were often able to go home earlier and more likely to be breastfeeding after leaving hospital.”
Kangaroo care sticker packs
To support the NICU’s efforts and to coincide with International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day in May, the special care baby charity ‘Best Beginnings’ and ‘Bliss’ provided the Unit with Kangaroo care sticker packs.
The guide, record sheet and stickers contained in the packs are being used to raise awareness of Kangaroo care and strengthen the cooperation between nurses and parents. They can also encourage parents to take part in caring their premature or sick babies as much as possible.
Kangaroo care receivers
Baby Ariya was born on 15th June this year, weighing 1.28kg and required assistance breathing due to her prematurity. She first received Kangaroo care with her mum when she was two days old. The NICU staff has been using the care record chart and stickers to promote the use of Kangaroo care in Ariya’s recovery.
Ariya’s mum, Syranne, said:
“Kangaroo care has allowed me to bond with Ariya, especially as she is so fragile. It has increased my confidence in handling her and has made me feel like I am able to be part of my baby’s care and helped me to produce and express breast milk for Ariya.”
‘Kangawrap’ slings
In addition to the Kangaroo care sticker packs, the NICU has purchased many ‘Kangawrap’ slings.
They were bought through Trade4Life with donations from local people and businesses who have kindly given their time and money to the Barely Born charity.
