Premature babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation, and their lungs, heart, and immune system may not be fully developed yet. They are at a higher risk of health complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and brain hemorrhages.

Moreover, they miss out on the crucial developmental milestones that babies achieve in the womb such as learning to regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.

Kangaroo care is a method of caring for premature babies that involves skin-to-skin contact between the baby and the parent. It was first developed in Colombia in the 1970s, where hospitals lacked the technology and resources for neonatal care.

Parents were taught to hold their newborns against their bare chest to provide warmth, comfort, and nutrition. The method proved to have many benefits, including a decreased risk of infections, increased weight gain, improved sleep patterns, and higher maternal milk production.

How Does Kangaroo Care Work?

Kangaroo care involves placing the baby on the parent’s bare chest, with the head turned to one side, to support airway clearance. The baby is covered with a blanket or a shirt to maintain warmth and privacy.

The parent sits upright, allowing the baby’s legs to rest on their abdomen and chest, forming a kangaroo-like pouch. There are no time limits for kangaroo care, and parents can practice it as long as they and their babies are comfortable.

Kangaroo care provides several physiological benefits to both the parent and the baby. The mother’s body temperature adapts to the baby’s needs, providing warmth and reducing the risk of hypothermia.

The baby’s heart rate stabilizes, and oxygen saturation improves, reducing the risk of apnea and bradycardia. Kangaroo care also promotes the release of hormones such as prolactin, which enhances lactation, and oxytocin, which promotes bonding and reduces stress levels in both the parent and the baby.

Benefits of Kangaroo Care for Premature Babies

Increase in Weight Gain

Premature babies are at risk of low birth weight and slow weight gain. Kangaroo care promotes weight gain by enhancing the baby’s digestion, metabolism, and oxygen supply.

In a study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, kangaroo care was found to increase the daily weight gain of premature babies by 31 grams, compared to those who received traditional care. Another study published in Pediatrics found that kangaroo care for one hour per day resulted in a significant increase in the baby’s weight gain and head circumference compared to those who received standard care.

Decrease in Risk of Infections

Premature babies are at a higher risk of infections due to their immature immune system and exposure to hospital-acquired infections.

Kangaroo care has been shown to reduce the risk of infections by enhancing the baby’s natural immune responses and reducing the need for invasive procedures such as intubation and intravenous lines. A study published in Early Human Development found that kangaroo care reduced the risk of sepsis (blood infection) in premature babies by 80% compared to conventional care.

Stabilization of Vital Signs

Premature babies are vulnerable to fluctuations in their heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Kangaroo care helps to stabilize the baby’s vital signs by providing a warm and stable environment that mimics the mother’s womb.

A study published in Pediatrics found that kangaroo care reduced the number of episodes of apnea (pauses in breathing) and bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate) in premature babies.

Promotion of Breastfeeding and Milk Production

Breastfeeding is crucial for premature babies as it provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that support their development and immune system.

Kangaroo care promotes breastfeeding by enhancing maternal milk production, quality, and let-down reflex. A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that mothers who practiced kangaroo care had a higher volume and fat content of milk and a faster rate of breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Improved Sleep Patterns

Premature babies often have disrupted sleep patterns due to their immature nervous system and frequent medical interventions.

Kangaroo care promotes better sleep patterns by enhancing the baby’s ability to self-regulate their breathing, heart rate, and temperature. Moreover, the parent’s heartbeat and breathing rhythm provide a calming effect that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

A study published in the Journal of Perinatology found that premature babies who received kangaroo care had longer and deeper sleep cycles.

Who Can Practice Kangaroo Care?

Any parent or caretaker can practice kangaroo care, regardless of gender, age, or experience. It is recommended for premature babies who are stable and able to breathe spontaneously, without the need for oxygen or ventilator support.

Kangaroo care can be started as soon as the baby’s condition allows, even in the delivery room, and can be continued until discharge from the hospital.

Parents who practice kangaroo care report feeling more confident, connected, and empowered in their role as a caretaker.

Kangaroo care provides an opportunity for parents to bond with their baby, learn their cues and behaviors, and provide comfort and security. It also reduces the emotional and financial burden of hospitalization and fosters a positive relationship with healthcare providers.

Cautions and Precautions

Kangaroo care is generally safe and beneficial for premature babies and their parents. However, there are some precautions and contraindications that should be considered:.

Babies who require continuous medical support such as oxygen, intravenous lines, or phototherapy should not be placed skin-to-skin.
Babies with acute respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart disease, or neurological disorders should be assessed by a healthcare provider before starting kangaroo care.
Parents who have infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, or hepatitis should not practice kangaroo care as they may transmit the infection to the baby.
Parents who are obese, have mobility issues, or are on medication that affects their alertness or coordination should have assistance or avoid kangaroo care.

Conclusion

Kangaroo care is a simple, cost-effective, and evidence-based method of caring for premature babies that provides many benefits for both the parent and the baby.

It promotes weight gain, reduces the risk of infections, stabilizes vital signs, enhances breastfeeding and milk production, and improves sleep patterns. Parents who practice kangaroo care report higher levels of bonding, confidence, and satisfaction with their role as caretakers. While kangaroo care is generally safe, some precautions and contraindications should be considered.

Kangaroo care represents a revolutionary approach towards the care of premature babies that emphasizes the importance of the parent’s role and the power of human touch.