Did you know that holding babies skin-to-skin is not only the BEST feeling in the world, but is recognized as a medically beneficial practice? It’s called kangaroo care and it’s not only beneficial for babies, it helps parents manage the stress that can accompany a hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). From May 7th to 15th, we’re taking part in a Kangaroo Challenge along with hospitals across Canada, with the goal of completing 625 hours of kangaroo care in our NICU over one week. Join our efforts! Have you practiced Kangaroo Care at home or in the hospital? Share your special moments with us by tagging us in a photo on social media.
Vanessa Martinez, with her son, Sebastian Curro, born at 26.6 weeks
I had to wait 5 or 6 days after Sebastian was born before I could hold him. He was very fragile and hooked up to a lot of machines those first few days. The moment I held him skin-to-skin that first time was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Now that he’s stronger, I practice kangaroo care with him every day, and so does my husband. It’s an opportunity for each of us to just focus on him alone, despite being in the hospital. I notice that every time we do it, he relaxes, he’s calmer, and he sleeps more soundly. I can’t think of anything more precious than these moments.
Valerie Cossette, with her twins Loric and Elliott Brosseau, born at 29.4 weeks
The first time I held my babies skin to skin, it was such a relief. It meant that they were healthy enough to leave their incubators. Even after giving birth, I had to wait 8 hours before even being able to hold them. Those first few weeks, skin-to-skin was infrequent. They weren’t warm enough, the level of oxygen in their bodies would decrease…it wasn’t possible for many days at a time. Now that they are doing better, my partner and I can hold them whenever we want, and it’s such a serene moment to be able to be there for them. They are calm, tranquil and despite all the chaos of the day, we know that we were able to take some time to focus solely on them.
Catherine Chaput, with her daughter Rosalie Lapointe, born at 34 weeks
We never could have imagined that we would be going home without our baby as new parents. Practicing kangaroo care is a way to help me feel like even though she’s no longer in my belly, she couldn’t be any closer to me, and I feel a thousand times better. When I get worried and stressed, I think about these moments that she’s with me and it keeps me going. It’s not the same as being at home, but it makes us feel like we still are getting that special time with her, just like we would if we weren’t in the hospital.
Have you practiced Kangaroo Care at home or in the hospital? Share your special moments with us by tagging us in a photo on social media. Join the Kangaroo Challenge.