KM-NICU-Breastfeeding-Book-English-Final

Skin- To- Skin Care

Holding Your Baby Close Skin-to-skin or kangaroo care is the practice of holding your baby dressed only in a diaper and cap on your bare chest with a blanket placed over your baby’s back. This skin-to-skin contact benefits both you and your baby. Youmay be a little nervous about trying kangaroo care. If your baby is very small or sick, you may be afraid you’ll hurt him/her. Your nurse will help you to get more comfortable in touching and positioning your baby. Your baby knows your scent, touch and the rhythms of your speech, heartbeat and breathing, and he/she will enjoy feeling that closeness with you. Kangaroo care can help: • Calm your baby • Help him/her to gain weight • Maintain his/her body warmth • Regulate his/her heart rate and breathing

Skin-to-skin has emotional benefits for you too. It builds your confidence as you provide this closeness that can improve your baby’s health and well-being. You are giving something special to your baby that only you can give. By holding your baby skin-to-skin, you will feel the experience of new parenthood and closeness to your baby. Ask the hospital staff if you can provide skin-to- skin care with your baby when visiting him/her. Kangaroo care is safe and beneficial. Take your pump kit with you when you are planning to do skin-to-skin and pump right after. This will help your milk supply.