Premature babies, babies born before their due date, need special support to develop and grow properly.
One of the most important factors in the development of premature babies is breastfeeding, which provides them with essential nutrition, immune system components, and protection against infections.
Alongside this, a simple but powerful method that helps strengthen the bond between mother and baby and improves the chances of success in breastfeeding is the "kangaroo" (or "skin-to-skin") method.
Kangaroo care is performed when the mother (or father) holds the naked baby on their bare chest, so that the baby's skin comes into direct contact with the parent's skin.
Studies show that skin-to-skin contact is not only a wonderful way to provide warmth, security, and love to a baby, but also a significant tool in the breastfeeding process, especially for premature babies.
Skin-to-skin contact increases the mother's production of the hormone oxytocin, which helps release milk and increases the amount of milk produced.
For premature babies, this is a critical connection that helps them adapt to the environment of the world outside the womb and begin to learn the act of breastfeeding in a more gradual and relaxed manner.
Studies show that premature babies who are in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers tend to develop better sucking patterns, resulting in improved milk intake.
In addition, skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the premature baby's body temperature, improves heart rate and breathing, and reduces stress levels in both mother and baby.
For mothers trying to breastfeed, this is a great way to ensure a smoother breastfeeding process, with a higher chance of success.
As a caregiver for premature babies, it is important for me to emphasize the importance of incorporating the kangaroo method as an integral part of the breastfeeding process.
This method strengthens the emotional bond, improves the baby's physical health, and encourages successful breastfeeding – a critical component for premature babies' development and the start of a healthier life.
Breastfeeding is an important gift for every baby, especially premature babies. Combined with kangaroo care, these babies can be guaranteed a stronger, healthier start, while providing emotional and physical support for both mother and baby.
Adi Korngold Hayon
Nurse, lactation consultant and sleep consultant
In the world
