World Prematurity Day is on November 17 each year. It is a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families. World Prematurity Day is one of the most important days in the year to raise awareness. It highlights the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally. The international co-founders LittleBigSouls (Africa), March of Dimes (USA) and National Preemie Foundation (Australia) join together to make World Prematurity Day an intercontinental movement. Meanwhile, countless individuals and organizations from more than 100 countries join forces with activities. This includes special events and a commit to action to help address preterm birth.
Besides the color purple which stands for sensitivity and exceptionality, the socksline has become a symbol for World Prematurity Day. Wear a purple enamel awareness pin, fabric ribbon, or purple silicone wristband to symbolize your support for World Prematurity Day. Or, recognize the day with a small pair of purple socks framed by nine full-size baby socks. This symbolizes that worldwide, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm.
What is the Definition of Kangaroo Care?
Kangaroo care generally refers to skin-to-skin contact with your baby soon after birth. Researchers agree that skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for all infants and helps you bond with your new baby. Most research defines and explores kangaroo care as a practice that helps babies born early or with low birth weight. But if your baby doesn’t fall into these categories, they can still benefit from skin-to-skin contact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines kangaroo care as skin-to-skin contact between a mother and baby along with exclusive breastfeeding. (If the mother or birthing parent isn’t able to do this, another caregiver can step in.) This contact should begin as early as possible after birth and happen for as many hours as possible per day. Ideally, the WHO recommends skin-to-skin contact for eight to 24 hours daily. These recommendations apply to all babies born preterm or with low birth weight.
How to do Kangaroo Care – Learn More on World Prematurity Day
Your nurse will help you get started with kangaroo care in the hospital. Each session can vary in length, but researchers generally advise longer sessions for more benefits. For example, one study shows that a two-hour session is more beneficial than a one-hour session when performed at least seven days in a row.
Here are a few basic tips for getting started:
- Dress comfortably. There are no strict guidelines for what to wear. But you should wear something that you can easily open in front because your baby will rest against your bare chest. You’ll also need to remove your bra if you wear one. You can use a hospital gown that opens in front if you’d like.
- Place your baby on your chest. Your baby should be in an upright position with their head resting to one side against your chest. Your baby will typically wear only a diaper, hat and socks. The hat and socks help keep your baby warm.
- Cover your baby. Once you’re settled skin-to-skin, drape a blanket over your baby’s back. Keep your baby warm and comfortable while snuggled against your chest. Your care provider may suggest using a wrap to secure your baby against your chest.
- Relax together. During your session, try to relax as you hold your baby. Remember to breathe normally. This is a great time to let your baby rest and relax, too. Allow your baby to snuggle in and fall asleep. Avoid playing with your baby or rousing their attention.
- Plan on multiple sessions. Your care team will tell you the ideal schedule for you and your baby. Ask if anything is unclear or if you have other questions or concerns.
What are the benefits of kangaroo care?
Kangaroo care has many benefits, particularly for babies born preterm or at low birth weight. Research shows that kangaroo care can help:
- Stabilize your baby’s heart rate.
- Improve your baby’s breathing pattern and make their breathing more regular.
- Support healthy sleep, including more quiet sleep and longer cycles.
- Encourage your baby’s growth.
- Relieve pain your baby might feel during certain procedures like a heel prick test.
- Lower your baby’s risk of hypothermia, serious infections or death (these outcomes relate specifically to babies born in resource-limited nations).
Kangaroo care also helps you:
- Bond with your baby.
- Establish breastfeeding and increase your milk supply.
- Feel confident in your ability to care for your baby and respond to their needs.
World Prematurity Day and Definitions of Kangaroo Care
Some healthcare providers use slightly different definitions of kangaroo care. For example, some use the term to refer to skin-to-skin contact without exclusive breastfeeding. Some definitions encourage early discharge from the hospital and follow-ups once home.
