New Research Shows Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Premature Babies
A recent study conducted in India has once again highlighted the significance of skin-to-skin contact, also known as pouching or kangarooing, for premature babies. The research reveals that these infants have a lower risk of mortality if they receive enough skin-to-skin contact with their parents. Additionally, this practice reduces the likelihood of infections. The findings were reported by Scientias.
Within the field of neonatology, skin-to-skin contact involves parents, particularly mothers, holding their premature babies against their bare skin for extended periods. It is recommended to initiate this practice within 24 hours after childbirth and continue for a minimum of 8 hours per day. According to the Indian researchers, parents achieve the greatest benefits from this approach. These conclusions were drawn from an analysis of data from 31 studies involving over 15,000 babies.
One of the most significant findings of the study is that intensive skin-to-skin contact reduces the risk of death in the first 28 days after birth by 32 percent. Premature babies are also 15 percent less likely to develop infections such as sepsis. Importantly, the positive health outcomes of pouching are observed regardless of the child’s gestational age or weight. For optimal results, it is recommended that parents begin skin-to-skin contact within 24 hours of birth and continue for at least a month, ensuring the best chances of survival for their babies.
In the Netherlands, professionals in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are already encouraging parents to engage in pouching as much as possible. Special pouch chairs have even been designed to provide comfortable seating for parents to hold their babies peacefully.
The implications of this research are significant, as it emphasizes the importance of skin-to-skin contact for premature babies. By promoting this practice, healthcare professionals can potentially reduce the risk of mortality and infections in these vulnerable infants. The study’s findings serve as a reminder of the crucial role parents play in the care and well-being of their premature babies.
By: National Care Guide / Johanne Levinsky
How does skin-to-skin contact affect the risk of mortality and infections in premature babies?
New Research Shows Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Premature Babies
Skin-to-skin contact, also known as pouching or kangarooing, has once again been proven to be crucial for premature babies, according to a recent study conducted in India. The research highlights that these infants have a lower risk of mortality and infections if they receive enough skin-to-skin contact with their parents.
Within the field of neonatology, skin-to-skin contact involves parents, especially mothers, holding their premature babies against their bare skin for extended periods. It is recommended to initiate this practice within 24 hours after childbirth and continue for a minimum of 8 hours per day. Indian researchers suggest that parents benefit the most from this approach, as shown in an analysis of data from 31 studies involving over 15,000 babies.
One of the most significant findings from the study is that intensive skin-to-skin contact reduces the risk of death in the first 28 days after birth by 32 percent. Premature babies are also 15 percent less likely to develop infections such as sepsis. The positive health outcomes of pouching are observed regardless of the child’s gestational age or weight. To maximize the benefits, it is recommended that parents begin skin-to-skin contact within 24 hours of birth and continue for at least a month, ensuring the best chances of survival for their babies.
In the Netherlands, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are already promoting and facilitating pouching as much as possible. Special pouch chairs have even been designed to provide comfortable seating for parents to hold their babies peacefully.
The implications of this research are significant, as it emphasizes the importance of skin-to-skin contact for premature babies. By encouraging this practice, healthcare professionals can potentially reduce the risk of mortality and infections in these vulnerable infants. The study serves as a reminder of the crucial role parents play in the care and well-being of their premature babies.
This article highlights the importance of skin-to-skin contact for premature babies, and the new research revealing positive health outcomes. It’s heartening to see that such a simple yet powerful act can have a profound impact on the well-being of these vulnerable infants.