It's a physical phenomenon that parents get to delight in. As parents of a premature baby there really isn't much you can do to help your baby. You're often at times just a bystander. But when you get to Kangaroo your child, its amazing. Not only are you getting to bond with your little miracle but you are actually helping them to grow by doing it. Isn't that amazing?
The hospital I was in is one that actually has a ward dedicated to Kangaroo Care. You get booked back into hospital and all you get to do is carry your baby skin-to-skin around the clock. And believe you me KMC (Kangaroo Mother Care, as only the moms are allowed to be re-booked to do Kangaroo Care) helps babies put on weight so much quicker.
It's a tedious job. But after all you as parents and the baby have been through, Kangaroo Care seems like a walk in the park.
Some mommies end up staying there for weeks, but because we had already had such a long stay in hospital and were nearly at our "discharge weight" we were only there for 48 hours. But what a tiring 48 hours it was. It's a lot of work keeping your baby comfortable and warm while basically half sitting, half laying. And that's all you do day in and day out. The hospital keeps to its 3 hourly feeds. So every 3 hours you have to get up, change nappies, and feed your baby.
But I was glad I had got to experience it. It was also my first time being "alone" with my tiny baby. Basically I was prepping for when I took little man home. And those 48 hours really helped me. I kinda felt like a pro by the time I was discharged :)
The babies absolutely love it though. Even now, though my boy is 7 months actual (and 4 corrected) he still loves to KMC.
Plus with modern day improvements there are now wraps that you get that are absolutely great for Kangaroo Care (check hubby and I out in our Noonoopie Wrap that was sponsored by the wonderful ladies at The Baby Box Project ).
I am so blessed that we have made it so far on our Premmie Journey. And to all the other parents out there still going through the journey please sound off in the comments about your experience.
You can also follow my Premmie Connect page on facebook
XOXO, T
**A special thank you for the mom's who shared the pictures of Kangarooing.
