I LOVE the reminder from askthelactationconsultant.com about Kangaroo Care. What is Kangaroo Care you ask? It is another name for skin to skin contact with newborns. I had never heard this term, but apparently it originated from the ways Kangaroos carry their babies in a pouch (makes sense).
I do know that right after I gave birth to my son the nurse rapidly ripped down my gown (oh, yes she did) and put my son on my chest. I had read it was important to do but I found it interesting that the nurse did not ask, she just went ahead and did. Of course I am grateful, as I know the importance of the contact. In the first few days my husband also spent a lot of time having some Kangaroo time with our son and we all loved it as we felt it strengthened our bond!
Here is some more information about the benefits, which I did not know at the time:
The use of this technique has helped babies especially a premature baby to thrive. This simple action benefits the baby in many ways. To mention a few: helps to regulate blood sugars, temperatures and breathing.
The impact of chest to chest contact has on babies outcomes has been remarkable. Askthelactationconsultant has personally witnessed "a reduction in the "need" for formula supplementation due to low blood sugars, in my hospital setting, since we implemented this practice after birth."
Askthelactationconsultant urges moms (and Nicole says why not dads too! Heck even grandma or grandpa can right?!) to have a newborn placed on your chest as often as possible the 1st 24 hours. The benefits are many not to mention it is so precious.
Tip: Baby is stripped down to diaper, placed against the chest, blanket over both of you. Moms you may feel really warm while doing this, your body temperature will rise naturally to keep the baby warm. It is an amazing thing.
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