Some parents may have never heard of the kangaroo method for premature babies. In fact, this method has many extraordinary benefits to support the health and growth of premature babies.
Premature birth is a birth that occurs when the gestational age has not reached 37 weeks. Because they are born prematurely, premature babies tend to be weak and their organs cannot function optimally. Premature babies are also generally born with low birth weight.
This makes premature babies more susceptible to various health problems. The farther a baby is born from the due date, the higher the risk of health problems.
Due to their frail condition and high risk of developing health problems, almost every premature baby requires hospitalization. In addition to medical treatment, now there is also a method of handling premature babies called kangaroo mother care (KMC) or kangaroo method care (PMK).
Kangaroo Care Method
The kangaroo method is a baby care method that involves parents. This method is done by positioning or holding the baby on the chest so that there is direct contact between the baby's skin and the skin of the mother or father.
In this method, the baby is placed on his stomach, then the baby's head is facing to the side so that his ears can be pressed against the chest of the mother or father. The length of time the kangaroo method is carried out may vary for each baby, but generally lasts about 1–3 hours.
Benefits of the Kangaroo Method for Premature Babies
Several studies have shown that the kangaroo method is considered safe to practice and even considered to function properly. The following are some of the benefits of the kangaroo method for the health of premature babies:
1. Make baby's body temperature more stable
Because premature babies tend to be low in weight, the fat tissue in their bodies also tends to be thinner. This makes premature babies susceptible to cold or hypothermia.
Several studies have shown that physical contact between mother or father and their baby through the kangaroo method can help provide warmth to the baby's body, so that the body temperature of premature babies can be more stable.
2. Helps accelerate baby's weight gain
Premature babies tend to have low birth weight and sometimes find it difficult to reach their ideal weight. However, several studies have shown that the kangaroo method can be used as a therapeutic option to help accelerate premature baby weight gain.
This is presumably because the kangaroo method can make babies sleep more soundly, so that energy can be channeled to improve body functions and build better body tissues. Thus, the weight can increase faster.
3. Improve the function of the baby's organs
Not only makes his condition stronger and more stable, the kangaroo method is also good for improving the function of premature babies' organs.
The kangaroo method can be used on premature babies who have respiratory problems and help them recover more quickly. This method is also known to make the heart rate of premature babies more stable compared to premature babies who do not undergo this method.
4. Make it easier for babies to suckle
The position of the kangaroo method makes it easier for babies to be able to suckle from their mothers while at the same time triggering breast milk to come out more easily. Some research shows that the kangaroo method is also good for dealing with the problem of insufficient breast milk. Consumption of breast milk for premature babies is very important because it can reduce the risk of infection, digestive disorders, and growth and development problems.
5. Strengthen baby's immune system
The kangaroo technique or method is known to strengthen the immune system of premature babies. This is important so that the baby's body is stronger against viruses and bacteria that cause infection.
In addition to some of the benefits above, the kangaroo method is also known to help calm premature babies who are fussy when they feel sick. Not only good for premature babies, the kangaroo method is also good to do to strengthen the emotional connection between mother and father with the baby.
In general, the kangaroo method can be done in the hospital while the baby is still in the infant care room, the special ICU for babies (NICU), or when he is allowed to go home with his parents.
If you have a premature baby and want to try the kangaroo method, you can consult your pediatrician for instructions on how to do the kangaroo method correctly.
