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Kangaroo Care originated in Bogota, Columbia in 1983 by Neonatologists Edgar Rey and Hector Maritnez when they developed the “Kangaroo Mother Care” program to decrease the high mortality rate among preemies. Moms carried their preemies in slings all day, every day and the mortality rate fell from 70% to 30%.
During Kangaroo Care, also known as skin-to-skin care, the baby is placed on the parent’s chest clad only in a diaper and cap. The baby’s head is turned to the side so that it’s ear is against the parent’s heart. Ventilator tubing and wires are taped to the parent’s gown. Usually, two nurses assist in the transfer from warming bed or isolette to the parent’s chest. This process can take just 10 minutes, even with a baby on a ventilator. Kangaroo Care can also benefit older preemies and full term babies. We see stabilization of heart rates, breathing rates, and oxygen needs decrease when parents and baby participate in Kangaroo Care. |