There were many confusing statements I got when I delivered my premature baby.  Many nurses discouraged me from touching him.  My mother instinct told me that he recognised my voice and eventhough he was only 28 weeks, he tried hard to move his head and tried to open his eyes when I first called out his name.

So, I spent the first week or so in a situation where I wanted badly to be with him but was discouraged.  Moreover, he was warded in the adult ICU and entrance was very strict.  Now, looking back, if I had known how important is kangaroo care towards his growth, I would have fought all those obstacles and spent more time doing kangaroo care.

Therefore, I hope all parents with premature or ill newborn babies will do their best to spend time with their babies.  If caesarean operation gives you discomforts, ask your ob-gynae to prescribe you pain killers so that your movements aren’t hampered.  Find a lounge seat and  ask your medical caregivers to allow you kangaroo care.

When do we start Kangaroo Care?

Your baby’s doctors and nurses will decide when your baby is stable enough for Kangaroo Care. Once you have decided to try Kangaroo Care and your baby is ready, discuss the best time to do Kangaroo Care with your baby’s nurse. It should occur during a period in the day when you and your baby can remain uninterrupted in the Kangaroo position for as long as is comfortable.

Wear a blouse or shirt that opens in the front. Your baby will be placed on your bare chest in an upright position. The respiratory therapist may also help transfer your baby from the isolette to your chest. Once you and your baby are comfortable, relax and enjoy.

Sometimes, medical staffs are rather reluctant to accomodate the parents because they felt that we are in the way of their routine.  Therefore, talk to the head of consultant and obtain a clearance from the head.

Find out more about kangaroo care from this hospital website.  You can also find out from your respective hospital, if they have proper booklets to distribute.