What are the benefits of the kangaroo method for premature babies?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi My Linh - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi My Linh has 12 years of experience in diagnosing and treating pediatric diseases.
Premature babies often have weak resistance and are prone to many health problems. To help the baby develop better, less fussy now, premature babies are encouraged to take care of the Kangaroo method - skin-to-skin with the mother.

1. Related concepts

1.1 What is premature birth?

Definition of preterm birth: Born less than 37 weeks
Late preterm: between 34-36 weeks 6 days Moderately premature: between 32 and 34 weeks Very preterm: From 28-32 weeks Extremely preterm: Under 28 weeks) A baby is considered preterm when born at 28-37 weeks of pregnancy. The younger a baby is born, the more likely it is to have health problems. Common problems in premature babies are:
Low birth weight; Lungs are immature, prone to respiratory failure, death. In surviving children, they are also susceptible to respiratory diseases later in life such as bronchitis, pneumonia; Children who are not yet fully developed physically and mentally, are prone to birth defects such as congenital heart disease, dumb, deaf, blind,...; May be accompanied by neurological sequelae.

1.2 What is the Kangaroo Method?

Kangaroo method (also known as Kangaroo mother care method) is a method of taking care of low birth weight and premature babies that is applied based on the idea of ​​taking care of children of Kangaroos. This is the type of embrace of an infant so that the baby's skin and the skin of the mother (or father) are in direct contact with each other. Usually, the doctor will lay the baby on the mother's bare chest, using only a blanket to cover the baby's back. Skin-to-skin interactions bring benefits to both mother and baby.
Today, the Kangaroo method has been widely applied around the world because of the health benefits it brings to babies, especially premature babies.

2. What are the benefits of the Kangaroo method for premature babies?

Taking care of premature babies with the Kangaroo method brings many benefits to the baby such as:
Baby sleeps peacefully, crying less and less tired, being able to recognize the surrounding environment. The baby's sleep cycle is also adjusted appropriately, the baby sleeps well and can wake up to breastfeed; Children are less likely to have low blood sugar; Helps control and stabilize baby's body temperature. Accordingly, the baby's body temperature will always be maintained at 37°C thanks to the heat transferred from the mother's body. This helps prevent the child from experiencing physiological apnea, reduces the risk of hypothermia, helps oxygen in the blood increase saturation and helps regulate the baby's heart rate better; Help children easily digest, absorb nutrients from breast milk and food better; Reduces the risk of hip dislocation because this method keeps the hip joint in shape; Avoid neonatal infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease. These are the leading causes of death in premature infants; Skin-to-skin contact with the mother makes the baby less painful if he has to undergo painful medical procedures; The child's immune system can develop and adapt to the bacteria from the mother's body, which is better than the child having to adapt to the bacteria in the hospital environment; Help develop baby's brain and body, enhance cognitive and motor ability; The baby can smell the mother's scent, hear the mother's voice, feel the mother's movements, help the baby find the mother's breast and breastfeed more easily; Kangaroo care makes it easier to nourish premature babies with breast milk; Reduce costs and shorten hospital stay; Reduce mortality and morbidity; Tighten the pattern - death bond. In addition to the benefits for the baby, the Kangaroo method also helps the mother have more motivation to take care of her baby, gain more confidence, reduce anxiety, fear or depression. At the same time, this method also increases breast milk secretion, good uterine contraction, and reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding.

3. Notes when taking care of premature babies with Kangaroo method

Put the baby in the right position, let the baby have direct skin-to-skin contact with the mother, as long as possible; Breastfeeding exclusively with breast milk to help children easily digest, reduce vomiting, bloating, gas and prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease. Besides, breast milk also has a rich source of nutrients to help premature babies improve their immune system; Massage the child properly during the care process; Monitor the child's signs, if the baby is found to be pale, choking, spitting up milk, etc., immediately take them to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment; Regular check-ups according to the doctor's appointment. Kangaroo method is a safe, scientific method that can provide maximum support for premature babies. Not only that, this method also brings many benefits to mothers. Therefore, parents need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions in taking care of children with Kangaroo method to get the best results.
In order for pregnant women and newborns to receive comprehensive care during pregnancy and postpartum, you should join maternity services at reputable hospitals. You will be equipped with the best parenting knowledge and know how to handle common problems in babies properly.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The Package Maternity package helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns are taken care of comprehensively.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

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