NICU Parents Guide for Pumping and Breastfeeding

Skin- To- Skin Care

Holding Your Baby Close Skin to skin or (Kangaroo Care) is the practice of holding your baby dressed only in a diaper and cap, on your bare chest (if you are Dad) or between your breast (if you are Mom), with a blanket placed over your baby’s back. This skin- skin contact benefits both you and your baby. Youmay bea little nervous about trying Kangaroo Care. If your baby is very small or sick, youmay be afraid you’ll hurt him. But you won’t. Your baby knows your scent, touch and the rhythms of your speech, heartbeat and breathing, and he will enjoy feeling that closeness with you. Kangaroo care can help: • Calm your baby • Help him gain weight • Maintain his body warmth • Regulate his heart and breathing Skin to skin has emotional benefits for you, too.

It builds your confidence as you provide this closeness that can improve your baby’s health and well being. You are giving something special to your baby that only you can give. By holding your baby skin-to-skin, you will feel the experience of new parenthood and closeness to your baby. Ask the hospital staff if you can provide skin-to- skin care with your baby when visiting the NICU. Kangaroo care is safe and beneficial. Take your pump kit with you when you are planning to do skin-to-skin and pump right after. This will help your milk supply.