Kangaroo care also called skin-to-skin contact, is a technique of newborn care where babies are kept chest-to-chest and skin-to-skin with a parent.
Kangaroo care is a wonderful method to help you and baby cope with the fourth trimester and help baby adjust to the world outside the womb.
Holding your baby closely to your chest is a special experience that can help build the bond between you and your new family member. This type of touch isn’t just good for bonding — it’s also medically beneficial for your baby.
Kangaroo care is really easy to do. Simply place baby (naked except for a nappy and hat) on your chest (also bare to allow skin-to-skin) for up to a few hours.
Wrapping a blanket around you and over your baby’s back for warmth.
This wrapping of your infant into your chest looks very much like a mother kangaroo holding her baby in her pouch — which is where the name kangaroo care comes from.
You can also do this using a sling or carrier . This also gives you free hands to make and drink a cup of tea too!
Benefits
Parents who use this method often say they find it a very satisfying way to nurture and bond
with their baby. It can help increase breast milk supply . Improves bonding and connection with baby.
Many also report that their babies seem to love this method of care – perhaps because it reminds them of life inside the womb.
It also has health benefits.
♡Stabilizing your baby’s heart rate.
♡Improving your baby’s breathing pattern and making the breathing more regular.
♡Babies may have longer sleep time in kangaroo care.
♡ It's found babies can have a quicker weight gain
♡ Helps baby feel safe and secure so can reduce crying
♡ Kangaroo care helps parents bond with their babies
♡ Helps the babies have improved interactions with parents.
♡ This is a perfect way for dad / partner or other family member to get involved in the early days too.
Did you practice Kangaroo care with your little one? Do they still like being snuggled close to you? I know my son still loves placing his head on my chest for a cuddle and listening to my heart beat.
At all our sessions we teach methods to settle and soothe your little ones - of all ages!
If you'd like to find out more click below .
Love
Elisa x
