POPPY - for parents of premature babies
2
Your baby knows your loving touch Skin-to-skin care helps your baby and it helps you Skin-to-skin care is used in hospitals and benefits you and your baby. It involves parents having direct skin contact with their baby by holding them against their chest and enclosing them in their arms to keep them warm. Skin-to-skin gives a wonderful feeling of closeness for you and your baby, and it can be a great way to develop the attachment between you. It is sometimes called ‘Kangaroo Care’. What are the benefits of skin-to-skin care? • helps both mother and baby to establish breastfeeding • promotes your baby’s growth • helps your baby to sleep more deeply • provides comfort to your baby, which can have a very positive effect on their health • helps you to feel more confident about caring for your baby. How do I get started? You can discuss with your baby’s nursing team the best time to start skin-to-skin care. When and where can I do it? You should be able to practise skin-to-skin in a private room, if you wish, or at your baby’s cotside, if their condition allows it. You will need to check this with your baby’s nursing team, as possibilities may vary. Will my baby get cold? Your body temperature will alter to keep your baby warm. Baby will be covered by your clothes, or blankets, but may also need to wear a hat. Do I need any equipment with me? A comfortable chair and some pillows are all you need. A handheld mirror can be useful to see your baby’s face while you are holding them. www.poppy-project.org.uk © 2009 Bliss and NCT
description
The result of an extensive colaboration between NCT and BLISS to collect the views of the parents of premature babies.
Transcript of POPPY - for parents of premature babies
Your baby knows your loving touch
Skin-to-skin care helps your baby and it helps youSkin-to-skin care is used in hospitals and benefits you and your baby. It involves parents having direct skin contact with their baby by holding them against their chest and enclosing them in their arms to keep them warm. Skin-to-skin gives a wonderful feeling of closeness for you and your baby, and it can be a great way to develop the attachment between you. It is sometimes called ‘Kangaroo Care’.
What are the benefits of skin-to-skin care?
• helps both mother and baby to establish breastfeeding
• promotes your baby’s growth • helps your baby to sleep more deeply• provides comfort to your baby, which
can have a very positive effect on their health• helps you to feel more confident about caring for
your baby.
How do I get started?You can discuss with your baby’s nursing team the best time to start skin-to-skin care.
When and where can I do it?You should be able to practise skin-to-skin in a private room, if you wish, or at your baby’s cotside, if their condition allows it. You will need to check this with your baby’s nursing team, as possibilities may vary.
Will my baby get cold?Your body temperature will alter to keep your baby warm. Baby will be covered by your clothes, or blankets, but may also need to wear a hat.
Do I need any equipment with me?A comfortable chair and some pillows are all you need. A handheld mirror can be useful to see your baby’s face while you are holding them.
www.poppy-project.org.uk
© 2
009
Blis
s an
d N
CT
How can I be sure that my baby is safe?Make sure you follow all the unit guidelines about hygiene. You should always wash your hands and forearms very thoroughly before holding your baby, especially while they are still in an incubator. This will help you ensure your baby is protected from infections, especially through the winter months. Make sure you know the correct way to pick up your baby, especially if they are still in an incubator and have lots of wires and monitors attached.
How long can I hold my baby?As long as your baby is stable, you can practise skin-to-skin every day, and for as long as you feel comfortable. Studies have shown that holding your baby for two or three hours a day can have lasting positive effects for you and your baby.
What if my baby can’t have skin-to-skin care?There are other ways for you to be involved in caring for your baby. Talk to your baby’s nursing team about ‘comfort’ or ‘containment holding’. This involves placing your hands on your baby’s bottom and around their head inside their cot or their incubator, and talking to them in a low voice.
‘It was the first time I felt sure I was the mother and the nurses were not.’
‘I loved seeing the oxygen saturation go up when I held her.’
Can I ask for help?The nursing team looking after your baby should be trained to support you in giving skin-to-skin care. You should always feel free to ask for help or advice with any aspect of your baby’s care.
‘I felt less afraid of my baby, his equipment, and caring for him.’
While stocks last further copies of this information sheet are available from [email protected] information sheet is also available to download from the POPPY website at: www.poppy-project.org.uk/resources in Polish, Urdu, French and Portuguese, as well as English.
NCT’s full range of information sheets are available from NCT Shop at: www.nctshop.co.ukTo find support near you visit www.nct.org.uk or call 0300 330 0770
Where can I find out more? Bliss, the special care baby charity, can give you more information through their website, at www.bliss.org.uk, or on their Freephone Helpline at 0500 618140.
