Today, May 15, is Kangaroo Care Day. The theme this year is "In my arms, you thrive". Every moment of Kangaroo Care (skin to skin) brings comfort, calm and connection. It is good for your baby's development and good for you. The Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants describes Kangaroo Care (KC) as “ a life-saving care practice that reduces complications and keeps families together”. And explains - Recent WHO guidelines recommend that all preterm and low-birthweight babies – even very small or sick babies – should receive Kangaroo care immediately after birth, without being separated from their parents and/or being placed in an incubator. It’s a big change from past practice, and it’s backed by strong evidence. 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐂 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬: Continuous, prolonged skin-to-skin contact Ideally for 8-24 hours a day Started within the first hour or two after birth Parents have full 24/7 access to their baby in the NICU 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: Increased survival and decreased mortality Reduced risk of serious infections like sepsis Better temperature regulation and less hypothermia Increased breastfeeding rates and weight gain More stable breathing and heart rate Improved brain development and emotional bonding Less stress for both baby and parents Earlier hospital discharge 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬. They are essential to their baby’s care. Keeping them together from the start gives every baby the best possible chance to survive and thrive. #ZeroSeparation should be the standard, not the exception – because every baby deserves that first hug. #KangarooCareDay (fb)

Happy Mother's Day. Enjoy your day with family and friends. Every day as a mum is special. Especially after what we go through when our babies arrive early. All the best from the PIPA team. (fb)