“Kangaroo Care” is a method of holding a baby that involves skin-to skin contact. The baby, who is naked except for a diaper and a piece of cloth covering his or her back (either a receiving blanket or the parent’s clothing), is placed in an upright position against a parent’s bare chest.
The benefits of Kangaroo Care for the baby include:
- stabilization of the baby’s heart rate
- improved (more regular) breathing pattern
- improved oxygen delivery to all the infant’s organs and tissues
- increased sleep time
- more rapid weight gain
- more successful breastfeeding
The benefits of Kangaroo Care for the parents include:
- improved bonding, feeling of closeness with the baby
- increased breast milk supply
- increased confidence in ability to care for the baby
- reduced mother’s blood pressure and stress level