Benefits of Kangaroo Care
Kangaroo care, otherwise known as skin-to-skin, is a key element in maternity, neonatal and premature baby care. Immediate and ongoing skin-to-skin contact provides both physiological and psychological benefits to all newborn neonates.1
Research suggests that skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after birth is hugely important in helping the newborn adjust to life outside the womb.1 This kangaroo care technique also benefits partners, with it being linked to them developing a deep emotional bond with their child, helping reduce parental anxiety and increasing the baby’s environmental stimulation.2
Benefits of Kangaroo Care:
Regulating baby’s breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels and temperature
Helping with breastfeeding
Minimising maternal breast engorgement
Keeping the baby warm and calm
Decreasing the chance of postnatal depression
Helping parents to feel confident looking after their newborn
Research has also shown that infants who are separated from their mothers have higher respiratory rates and lower glucose levels than infants who receive skin-to-skin.1. Kangaroo care is also associated with reduced mortality and improved health outcomes for preterm, small and unwell newborn infants.2
How has COVID-19 impacted skin-to-skin contact?
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the implementation of hygiene measures that focus on limiting infection rates, which include some changes to how parents might engage in kangaroo care. This can cause additional worry and confusion for new parents.
The World Health Organization still advises mothers to continue to share a room with their babies from birth, to breastfeed (if able) and practice kangaroo care – even when COVID-19 infections are suspected or confirmed.4 Separating mothers from their infants, especially in the context of a pandemic, has the potential to cause significant physiologic stress and anxiety, both to mum and baby.
How can healthcare professionals support new mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Guidelines from the Royal College of Midwives encourages healthcare professionals to support parents with kangaroo care, advising that separating healthy and non-symptomatic mothers and babies should be avoided to help reduce anxiety and fear.
It is so important that healthcare professionals do all they can to encourage parents to feel confident to take part in kangaroo care practices and to try to relieve any concerns by highlighting the benefits of kangaroo care early on. Parents should also feel encouraged to continue kangaroo care when they go home to facilitate bonding and breastfeeding.
Despite the ongoing pandemic and restrictions caused by COVID-19, parents should be reassured that their birth will be as normal as possible and advised that all types of delivery can lead to skin-to-skin, even after a caesarean section or assisted birth, where the mother has an epidural anaesthetic. It should be made clear to new parents that kangaroo care is still encouraged, safe to do and has numerous benefits for both mother and baby.
For more information on skin-to-skin contact, and a baby’s skin care journey during the first three months, check out Dr Stephanie Ooi’s advice.
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