In the early days, parents were often forgotten about when it came to caring for a premature baby in the NICU, until Kangaroo Care was introduced. Originating in Colombia in the 1970s, as a result of the public health system not having appropriate funding to support the existing healthcare provisions. Neonatologists were forced to discharge premature infants the moment they no longer required artificial ventilation. Instead of an incubator they would be physically placed on the mother, day and night. The results of this were lower body weight, but a higher survival rate. The benefits of skin-to-skin contact were significant in both neonate and parent, so much so that it soon became common practice in hospitals around the world. If the neonate is healthy enough to use this method, then it is encouraged.
Kangaroo Care and parent bonding
Hilary Whyte, Professor of Pediatrics, Hospital of Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, speaks about the importance of kangaroo care and integrating parents into the care process. Learn more about the benefits and how to incorporate kangaroo care into your unit.
The benefits of kangaroo care for parents
- Increased parent-baby bonding, more positive interactions with baby
- Less parental anxiety and stress
- Better sleep
- Increased confidence in caring for the baby and readiness for discharge home
- Increased milk supply for breastfeeding moms
The benefits of kangaroo care for the infant
- Higher survival rate
- Neonate and mother / father develop a more intense parent – child bond
- Children who have been kangarooed are thought to score higher in developmental assessment programs
- Decrease in length of stay, severity of illness and infections
- The process can help regulate your baby’s heart and breathing rates, increase weight, calm the baby, provide deeper sleep, and regulate his or her temperature.
How important is kangaroo care?
Parents are key in helping in the NICU, Deb Discenza shares her story on how she coped when she gave birth to her premature daughter, Becky and how Kangaroo Care helped her. "I have learned that parents in the NICU matter to the long-term prognosis of their child. We need to help families bond during the NICU stay, and work around the barriers of medical equipment to help everyone thrive."
How do Dräger incubators support this?
The Babyleo TN500, Babyroo TN300 and Isolette 8000 Plus feature Kangaroo Mode. The wide variable height adjustment range allows parents to get in close to their baby, even when in a bed or wheelchair. Kangaroo Care mode allows parents to peacefully practice skin-to-skin care with minimal alarms and continuous temperature monitoring (using skin sensor monitors) while the incubator settings are kept stable for baby’s return.
Reference Case: IncuWarmer Babyleo supports clinical routines
At the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Traunstein Clinic, the IncuWarmer Babyleo TN500 is used for the care of premature babies. For optimal care of the patient, it is important that all operations can be performed in the incubator in order to reduce disturbances to the little patients, as much as possible. At the Traunstein Clinic, a lot of emphasis is put on involving the parents very early in the care of their child, for example with kangaroo care. Dorothee Scanu, head nurse of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, appreciates the low position and the parent-friendly display of the Babyleo. Learn more in our video.
Where it all started...
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day was set up by a group of parents, friends, organisations, volunteers, and perinatal professionals from around the world that organise creative solutions to accelerate the implementation and safety of evidence-based kangaroo care.
Recommended downloads
Babyleo Value Added document
Understand the challenges faced in the NICU and discover how the Dräger Babyleo TN500 can help to create a nurturing environment for newborns.
Open Care Warmer - Babyroo TN300
Preterm infants are especially at increased risk of morbidity and mortality because of the immaturity of their body systems, specifically, the lungs and the developing brain. Download the PDF brochure and learn more.
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Dräger Babyroo® TN300
Dräger Babyleo® TN500
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Take a look at our resources and tools for preemie parents and clinical professionals
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