Every year, on November 17, World Prematurity Day unites people around the globe in raising awareness about preterm birth and advocating for better healthcare and support systems for premature babies and their families. The 2024 theme, ‘Small Actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every Baby, Everywhere,’ highlights a simple, accessible practice known as Kangaroo Care that actively helps improve the health and development of premature infants.
Also Read: World Prematurity Day 2019: Proven Ways To Care Your Premie For A Healthy Growth
This year’s theme encourages parents, healthcare providers, and communities worldwide to adopt Kangaroo Care as an accessible, effective intervention that has the potential to change lives.
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Significance of World Prematurity Day 2024
Premature birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, affects approximately 15 million babies worldwide each year. Preemies are often born with underdeveloped organs, making them vulnerable to health complications and in need of specialized care. The journey for these tiny fighters and their families is often filled with unique challenges, from extended hospital stays to the need for long-term medical support.
In this short read, let us know all about the Kangaroo Care method and its benefits in coping with the difficulties of premature babies.
What Is Kangaroo Care?
Kangaroo Care is a method of newborn care in which a baby is placed skin-to-skin on a caregiver’s chest. Initially developed in Colombia as a way to care for preterm infants when incubators were scarce, this practice has since gained global recognition for its profound impact on preemie health and development.
During Kangaroo Care, the baby, typically wearing only a diaper, is placed on the bare chest of a parent or caregiver. A blanket or cloth can be used to cover the baby, helping to maintain warmth and create a secure environment. This practice promotes a deep connection between the baby and caregiver while offering life-saving physical and emotional benefits.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Premature Babies
Preterm birth brings with it a series of unique challenges due to the baby’s underdeveloped systems, which require specialized medical care and monitoring. Common challenges faced by premature babies include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Temperature regulation
- Immune vulnerability
- Feeding and nutrition issues
- Emotional and psychological impact on families
In response to these challenges, Kangaroo Care has become an invaluable method in preterm infant care, offering a range of benefits that address many of these issues.
What Are The Benefits Of Kangaroo Care?
Improves Body Temperature
Premature babies often struggle to maintain their body temperature due to limited body fat and immature thermoregulation systems. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate a baby’s temperature naturally, with the caregiver’s body providing a warm, stable environment similar to the womb. This reduces the risk of hypothermia and allows preemies to focus their energy on growth and development rather than maintaining body warmth.
Stabilizes Heart Rate and Breathing Patterns
Kangaroo Care has been shown to help stabilize a premature baby’s heart rate and breathing. The rhythm of the caregiver’s heartbeat and breathing creates a calming effect, helping the baby’s body align to a regular, stable pattern. This stability reduces the likelihood of apnea (pauses in breathing), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and other common issues faced by preemies.
Bolsters Immunity
Physical closeness with a caregiver during skin-to-skin contact promotes the transfer of beneficial bacteria from the caregiver’s skin to the baby, strengthening the infant’s developing immune system. Additionally, preemies held skin-to-skin experience lower rates of infection and sepsis, making Kangaroo Care an invaluable practice for protecting fragile immune systems.
Promotes Weight Gain and Growth
Studies indicate that babies who experience regular Kangaroo Care tend to gain weight more quickly and grow at a healthier rate. The warmth and stability provided through skin-to-skin contact allow the baby’s energy to be directed toward growth rather than maintaining physiological stability. Kangaroo Care also facilitates more effective feeding, which supports healthy weight gain.
Supports Successful Breastfeeding
Kangaroo Care encourages breastfeeding by promoting a secure environment where the baby feels safe and comfortable. For breastfeeding mothers, skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate milk production. Babies held skin-to-skin are more likely to latch effectively and feed successfully, which supports the baby’s nutritional needs and fosters a positive breastfeeding experience.
Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep is critical for premature infants, as it aids brain development, immune system function, and overall growth. Kangaroo Care promotes better sleep quality by creating a calm, safe environment where preemies can rest soundly. Babies held in skin-to-skin contact often experience longer, uninterrupted sleep periods, which are essential for development.
Promotes Emotional Bonding
Kangaroo Care strengthens the emotional connection between the baby and caregiver, fostering a bond that benefits both. For parents, especially those navigating the emotional challenges of NICU life, this practice can reduce stress and anxiety. Holding their baby close helps parents feel more connected and empowered, enhancing their role in the baby’s care.
Conclusion
World Prematurity Day reminds us of the strength of preemies and the resilience of their families. The journey of feeding and nourishing a premature baby can be filled with both challenges and triumphs, requiring patience, expert guidance, and community support. With early intervention, proper nutrition, and specialized care, these tiny fighters can grow, thrive, and lead healthy lives. By raising awareness and sharing knowledge on feeding and caring for premature babies, we can ensure that every preemie has a brighter future.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
- Preterm birth - World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
- Kangaroo care method - World Health Organization
- Effects of Kangaroo Mother Care in the NICU on the Physiological Stress Parameters of Premature Infants: A Meta-Analysis of RCTs
Authors: Delia Cristóbal Cañadas 1, Antonio Bonillo Perales 2, Rafael Galera Martínez 2, María del Pilar Casado-Belmonte 3,*, Tesifón Parrón Carreño 4
