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Kangaroo Care


About this topic


Kangaroo care is also known as skin to skin care. It is when a parent holds a baby next to their bare chest. The baby is naked and only wearing a diaper and a parents shirt or light blanket covers the baby. ‚  

General


Parents can hold almost all babies skin to skin. Even babies who are born very early or who are sick may benefit from the skin to skin contact. Kangaroo care can start right after a baby is born and carry on after your baby goes home from the hospital. ‚  

What will the results be?


Kangaroo care is good for the mother, father, and the baby. For the mother, holding the baby skin to skin: ‚  
  • Eases worry
  • Will help her know when the baby wants to eat
  • Starts hormones to help start the flow of breastmilk
  • Helps to make more breast milk
  • Raises confidence
  • Promotes closeness

For the baby, skin to skin care helps the baby: ‚  
  • Stay calm and be more comfortable
  • Gain weight
  • Cry less and sleep more deeply
  • Latch on to the breast
  • Keep temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure normal
  • Bond with parents

Will physical activity be limited?


While you are holding your baby skin to skin, you will be sitting quietly. It is nice if you can also put your feet up and relax during this time. ‚  

Helpful tips


  • Wear a shirt or gown that opens to the front when doing skin to skin with your baby. You can also place a hat on your baby to help them stay warm.
  • Choose a quiet place and a cozy chair. You may want a few pillows to make holding your baby more comfortable.
  • Dads can also hold the baby skin to skin.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Pediatrics ‚  
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/preemie/pages/About-Skin-to-Skin-Care.aspx ‚  
Baby Friendly Initiative ‚  
http://www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/Health-Professionals/Care-Pathways/Breastfeeding/Birth/ ‚  

Last Reviewed Date


2015-10-21 ‚  

List_set bdysylist


  • Neonatal
  • Reproductive

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚  
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