The Benefits of Kangaroo Care for Mother and Baby

The Importance of Kangaroo Care for Newborns

Kangaroo care refers to a method of newborn care where the mother holds the baby skin-to-skin. This practice, beneficial in both normal and Caesarian births, has shown to promote parent-infant bonding, regulate the baby's heart rate and breathing, increase breastfeeding rates, and can potentially reduce the baby's crying and stress levels.

Benefits for Mothers

Aside from the benefits for the baby, kangaroo care also supports maternal recovery. It helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, a process called involution. Additionally, it may aid in decreasing the risk of maternal postpartum depression.

Psychosocial Development

The comfort and security provided by kangaroo care are critical components for the healthy psychosocial development of both the mother and the newborn. This idea has been supported by research such as the monkey experiments conducted by researchers Harlow, Bowlby, and Ainsworth.