Whether you are home with your newborn or you are preparing for one, it is important to learn the extended benefits of Kangaroo Care. This is defined as skin on skin contact with the baby (full term or preterm) beginning after birth and continuing anytime day and night (even for short periods). The infant should be in a diaper only, placed prone on the chest and, voila! This is most effective done with the birthing parent but of course can also be powerful with any member of the family or an adoptive parent as
well.
Researchers like Nils Bergman have dedicated their life to exploring the deeply rooted science behind skin to skin contact with babies. Since this therapy is free and simple we are shouting out its main benefits which can be lumped into four main topics: newborn health and stability, attachment, brain development, and breastfeeding success.
1. Physiologic Stability
- Calming/Reduces Crying/Cortisol Regulation
- Blood Sugar Regulation
- Oxygenation/Stabilized Respiration
- Thermoregulation/Warms The Infant
- Regulates Blood Pressure/Cardiorespiratory Stability
2. Maternal Attachment
- Oxytocin Release For Parent And Baby
- Bonding
- The Birth Parent's Body Is The Expected Environment
- Emotional Healing
- Prevents Depression And Anxiety
- Better Sleep And Rest
3. Supports Optimal Brain Development
- Activates the Amygdala For Regulation
- Aids Reflex Integration And Expression
4. Increases Breastfeeding Rates and Duration
- Enhances/Establishes Milk supply
- Initiates Breastfeeding
- Tuning Into Feeding Cues
Sources:
- https://birthingwithoutfear.com/dr-nils-bergman-skin-skin-contact-video/
- āA Doulaās Guide To Empowering Your Birthā by Lindsey Bliss, 2018
- "Counseling the Nursing Mother - A Lactation COnsultantās Guide Seventh Editionā By Judith LauwersĀ and Anna Swisher 2021
- https://kangaroomothercare.com/
- "Uninterrupted Skin-to-Skin Contact Immediately After Birthā by Raylene Phillips MD, IBCLC, FAAPĀ NAINR. 2013;13(2):67-72 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/806325?form=fpf
