The hospital is a high-tech world with many things that separate you from your baby. Skin-to-skin care, also called kangaroo care, is a way for you to spend special time bonding with your baby. It is one of the best ways you can help your baby become more stable and grow. Skin-to-skin care can be done with both preterm and full term infants.
Research has shown that skin-to-skin care has many benefits for babies and parents, including faster weight gain for preterm babies; more stable heart rates, breathing patterns and temperature in babies; more confidence for parents in caring for their baby; and much more.
Both mothers and fathers can participate in skin-to-skin care.
Download this PDF to learn more about the benefits of kangaroo care and how and when to participate while caring for your baby in the hospital.