"Let love and connection abound, with skin-to-skin, our bond is sound."

I know firsthand the challenges that come with having a premature baby. It can be overwhelming and scary, but there are things you can do to help your little one thrive, including practicing skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care. Surely you have heard of this practice but I really highlight it because it was a great help to me.

Skin-to-skin contact involves placing your newborn baby directly on your bare chest, allowing you to feel your warmth and heartbeat. This simple practice has been found to have numerous benefits for both premature babies and their parents.

One recent study found that skin-to-skin contact between fathers and preterm infants in the NICU was associated with increased parental involvement in infant care and improved infant weight gain. As a mom of a premature baby, you may be struggling with the demands of the NICU, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, work, and even another baby or child at home and feeling like you can't do enough for your baby. Encouraging your partner to practice skin-to-skin contact can be a great way to involve them in your baby's care and help promote their growth and development.

Another study found that skin-to-skin contact may help reduce pain in premature babies undergoing painful medical procedures. You may have to watch your little one undergo a series of painful procedures, and it's heartbreaking to watch him in pain. Skin-to-skin contact can help make those procedures a little easier for both you and your baby, providing a source of comfort and reassurance.

Finally, skin-to-skin contact can help regulate your baby's body temperature and breathing, which can be especially important for premature babies who may have problems in these areas. It can also promote bonding between you, your husband, and your little one, helping you feel more connected and involved in your care.

I know that being a mom to a premature baby can be difficult, but I encourage you to try skin-to-skin contact. It's a simple and effective way to promote the health and well-being of your baby and the whole family.

Hang in there and know you're doing an amazing job!!

Research:

1. Skin-to-skin contact between fathers and premature infants in the NICU was associated with increased paternal involvement in infant care and improved infant weight gain. This study was published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing in 2020.
2. Skin-to-skin contact can help reduce pain in preterm infants undergoing painful medical procedures. This finding was reported in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing in 2020.