Kangaroo care involves extended skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their baby. It has benefits for both babies and parents such as easier breathing and sleep for babies, improved brain development, and increased milk production and bonding for mothers. Kangaroo care is done by placing the baby in an upright position against the parent's chest so as much skin is in contact as possible. It should be done for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours at a time to receive the full benefits.

1. Kangaroo Care 1

3. It is also called Skin-to-Skin care

4. Increased skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby has extra benefits for your baby and you which are not seen with traditional cuddle holds2

5. What is Kangaroo Care? Kangaroo (Skin-to-Skin) Hold Traditional Hold 3

6. Why do Kangaroo Care? Kangaroo (Skin-to-Skin) Hold Levine NICU Graduate Kangaroo care has many benefits which include benefits for the baby as well as benefits for the parents. There are even more benefits for the mother who is providing her milk to her baby. 4

7. Kangaroo Care- Benefits for Baby Decrease length of stay Baby’s breathing is easier Baby’ s has a more quiet and restful sleep Baby has improved brain development 5

8. Kangaroo Care-Benefits 3 hours of Kangaroo Care 2 Days in the isolette 6

9. Kangaroo Care- Benefits for Parents Feel closer to their babies Feel more satisfied as a new parent Feel more confident in their ability to care for their baby 7

10. Kangaroo Care- Benefits for Parents Parents are more relaxed Parents have less anxiety 8

11. Kangaroo Care- Benefits for Mother’s Milk Increases mother’s milk production Improves success of breastfeeding Mother experiences less engorgement Mother returns to pre-pregnancy size sooner 9

12. Daddy Kangaroo Care Bobby and Gabriel during their first kangaroo care session. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1CyW0W9sj4 10

13. Kangaroo Care- Long Term Benefits Fewer infections Less fussiness and crying Smiles more often at 3 months Ahead of peers Social skills Language skills Physical skills 11

15. Less frequent bed wetting

16. Smiles more while playing with mothers and other children

17. Mothers are more instructional and encouraging

18. Earlier stubbornness12

20. Verbalize to get mother’s attention at 3 months, generally not seen until 7 monthsCopyright © 2007 ZERO TO THREE http://www.zerotothree.org 13

21. Why not just hold baby, isn’t just the same? Kangaroo (Skin-to-Skin) Hold Traditional Hold 14

23. Significant differences in pain response15

24. How is Kangaroo Care Done? Wear a shirt or top with an opening to the front Infant dressed in diaper only Place baby so arms and legs are flexed This maximizes the skin contact area 16

25. How is Kangaroo Care Done? The baby’s head should be extended so he can breath well You may want to bring a mirror so you can view your baby during care Plan to spend at least 30 minutes to two hours giving care 17

26. How is Kangaroo Care Done? There are specialized garments that can assist in proper kangaroo care 18

27. How is Kangaroo Care Done? There are specialized garments that can assist in proper kangaroo care 19

28. How often Can I do Kangaroo Care? Plan times for Kangaroo care with your baby’s nurse A minimum of 1 hour recommended—2 hours is ideal 20

29. How is Kangaroo Care Done? Plan to pump following kangaroo care, because skin-to-skin care can increase your milk supply 21

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42. Enjoy Kangaroo Care 34