According to medical science and pediatric experts, the first few minutes and hours after birth of a newborn baby play the most crucial and important role for his entire life and health. Keeping this sensitivity in mind, ‘International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day’ is celebrated globally on 15 May every year.
The main objective of celebrating this special day is to make mothers and families aware of the ‘Kangaroo Mother Care’ (KMC) technique to save the lives of premature and low birth weight babies. In this unique method, the mother is trained to keep her newborn baby directly on her chest i.e. skin-to-skin contact, just like a kangaroo keeps its cub hidden in its stomach pouch to keep it safe.
Why is this technology life-saving for a newborn baby?
Immediately after birth, a newborn baby has to go through a tough struggle to adapt to the environment of the outside world. During this time, the child has to control his breathing, steady his heartbeat and most importantly, keep his body temperature in balance.
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Natural Incubator: Kangaroo care establishes direct physical contact between mother and baby immediately after birth. Without any artificial machines, the mother’s chest acts like a natural incubator for the baby, providing the newborn with the necessary warmth.
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Physical Stability: By being in this tight and safe position, the baby’s oxygen level improves, he is able to breathe easily, and he feels a deep emotional security which causes him to stop crying and calm down.
It is also very important for new mothers.
The benefits of Kangaroo Care are not limited to just the innocent baby, but it also acts as a therapy for the mental and physical health of the mother going through delivery:
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Freedom from stress and fear: After delivery, mothers often struggle with severe physical pain, anxiety, extreme fatigue and fear of postpartum depression. Especially when the child is born prematurely and there is a need to keep him in the ICU.
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Increase in self-confidence: At such a sensitive time, when a newborn baby is placed on the mother’s chest, a magical emotional bond is created between the two. Due to this, the mother’s confidence in handling the child increases rapidly and due to the release of oxytocin hormone in the body. Breastfeeding Is promoted naturally.
Mother’s heartbeat and fragrance: the real shield of baby’s health
Zee News According to medical research, it has been completely proven that the natural structure of the mother’s body not only protects the child from hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature), but the strong heartbeat of the mother makes the newborn’s brain feel calm and safe.
scientific approach: The smell of the mother’s skin gives the baby a feeling of security, which immediately reduces the level of stress hormones in the body of both the mother and the baby. As a result of this, the child’s heart rate, breathing process and body temperature remain completely normal and stable. Pediatricians strongly recommend that not only mothers but also fathers can give this ‘Kangaroo Care’ to the child whenever necessary so that the initial development of the child can be rapid.
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