There is probably nothing more comforting for a baby who feel your mother close. Knowing that she is next to them gives them the strength and serenity necessary to develop in a positive way Feeling safe and protected in a new world.
A recent study measured the Long-term effects of skin-to-skin contact or the famous Kangaroo Method in premature babies, from the first weeks of life until they turned 20 years old and they got fascinating results.
The long-term benefits of the Kangaroo Method
It was found that babies who experienced this important contact during their first weeks of life had a significantly higher IQ, as well as larger areas of gray matter and they even had higher salaries in their jobs than those babies who didn't have it.
Similarly, the children showed lower tendency to hyperactivity, in addition to being less likely to experience school absences.
Although this study was performed only in premature infants, a previous study in infants who reached term shows similar results. Babies of complete pregnancies who had skin-to-skin contact during the first days of birth had better cardiorespiratory stability, longer duration being breastfed and crying less.
What is the Kangaroo Method?
This method, which was initially recommended for premature babies but is increasingly practiced in all babies regardless of whether they reached 40 weeks or not, simply consists of place your baby on your chest, leaving it only with a diaper so they have skin to skin contact.
It is a very simple practice but with many benefits and as we can read from the studies mentioned in this article, it has a great impact on the future of babies, helping them to develop better in the intellectual and emotional field.
Its benefits in premature babies
As I mentioned, this method began to be recommended in premature babies as a complement to the incubator due to their need to continue protecting themselves for a while after birth.
Being premature babies in skin-to-skin contact with their mother helps them to reduce stress Y they adapt better to external stimuli, besides achieving feel more secure, especially during the tests and studies they do during the time they stay in the hospital.
The kangaroo method also favors all babies in the emotional aspect, since it helps to form an early bond between the baby and mom / dad, the closeness that this contact provides makes you feel safe and calm in the arms of your parents.
Successful breastfeeding: one more benefit of the Kangaroo Method
In addition to the benefits of the long-term kangaroo method that have been demonstrated thanks to these new studies, skin-to-skin contact helps promote breastfeeding from birth.
Being stuck to mom longer, breastfeeding becomes easier and it can be done in a more practical way, since being in frequent contact with the baby the amount of shots increases and its duration is extended, getting the babies to receive all the benefits of breast milk by being breastfed longer.
Dad can also make skin-to-skin contact
Although the Kangaroo Method usually focuses on mothers, dad can also practice it and help the baby enjoy its benefits. Having skin contact with father and son skin also helps them develop a stronger emotional bond and a bond of love and affection like no other.
Some time ago the photo of a father and his eldest son practicing the kangaroo method with his two newborn brothers was being shared in networks, without a doubt a beautiful way for dad to participate and for the older brother adapts more easily to the arrival of the brothers without feeling excluded.
So now you know, to practice the kangaroo method and keep our babies close, that the benefits are great and certainly a gift for them that is priceless.
