The birth of a premature infant is documented to be a time of stress and crisis for parents. Among these stressors are perceived losses and grief from the early and abrupt termination of pregnancy, feelings of guilt and failure from inability to carry the infant to term, uncertainty regarding the infant's future health and developmental potential, and immediate and long-term separation of the infant and family.
Nursing staff at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba introduced "Kangaroo Care" to their neonatal units in an attempt to diffuse some of the stressors associated with premature birth. During "Kangaroo Care", small stable premature infants, dressed only in a diaper and hat, are placed in "skin-to-skin" contact with their parent's chest, for up to 2 to 3 hours per day. Cardiorespiratory monitoring and oximetry are continued, if necessary, during "Kangaroo Care" while infants in the "Kangaroo Care" position are kept warm through close contact with their parent's skin.
This intimate handling encourages bonding, interaction and "cuddling" between parents and small infants who would otherwise be confined to incubator care. The emotional and psychological benefits of this practice for both parents and infants have been immediately obvious. Reactions from parents and infants support nursing perceptions that "Kangaroo Care" is the best thing we've done for parents and premature infants in a long time".
Developed by Maria Robles, R.N., B.N. Women's Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA http://www.umanitoba.ca/womens_health/kangaroo.htm (author)
Decreases infant stress levels and helps to regulate vital functions such as breathing, heart rate and body temperature, resulting in an over-all lower mortality rate.
Increased parent infant bonding
Increase milk supply and earlier breastfeeding
Increases deep sleep states
Provides more energy for growth and development
Increases parental confidence in readiness for an early discharge.
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