Page 29 - What to Expect

During your stay

What are kangaroo cuddles?

Kangaroo care is a way of cuddling your baby. In past years many
paediatricians believed premature babies needed to be isolated to
conserve their strength. Now inspiration has been taken from kangaroos
and other marsupials that nurture their young in a pouch.
Once babies are well enough, they are taken out of their incubators and
placed on their parent’s chest, usually under their clothes, so the baby gets
skin-to-skin contact and can hear the parent’s heartbeat. This closeness
provides a warm and soothing environment and helps the parent feel
closer to their baby. Some studies suggest that kangarooing may result in
physical benefits, fewer breathing problems, less energy-wasting fidgeting,
faster weight gain and a more constant body temperature.
A lot of babies seem to improve when they’re being held by their parents.
They’ve been listening to these voices in the womb and even the smallest
babies recognise their families, and babies who are happier tend to do
better. Ask your nurse if your baby is ready for kangaroo cuddles yet.

How can I calm my baby?

Here are a few suggestions:
Hold his hand and gently talk to him
Give him your clean little finger to suck

Stroke the back of his head
Change his position to side lying or lying on his tummy with a
clean nappy rolled up at his feet, it will give him something firm
and secure to push or rest against. If you are unsure, ask your
baby’s nurse to show you good positioning. Again, only one
activity at a time.
If your baby is too unwell for kangaroo cuddles or gentle stimulation ask
your baby’s nurse what you can do for him. Let her know you are interested
in doing things for your baby.

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