When our preterm son, Jair, was born, one of the first things we learned about was Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). The practice of holding a preterm baby skin-to-skin against your chest might sound simple, but the benefits it offers are truly incredible.
In those first weeks, we were constantly worried about our baby’s health and growth. Jair, born at 34 weeks, was tiny and fragile, and we spent a lot of time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), watching him fight to grow stronger. One of the best things we could do for him, we were told, was to practice KMC. This method of holding him close to our chest allowed us to be more than just parents; it gave us the chance to be a source of comfort and warmth in a way that nothing else could.
The physical and emotional benefits of KMC are astounding. It helps regulate the baby’s heart rate and temperature, improves breathing, and reduces stress. It also helps strengthen the bond between parent and baby—something we really needed in those early days, when it felt like we couldn’t do much else for our little one.
KMC was a game-changer for us. It was healing, both for our son and for us as parents. While it’s not always easy, especially when you’re exhausted from the stress of a preterm birth, it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to support your baby’s growth and development. If you have a preterm baby, try to incorporate KMC into your daily routine it’s a simple practice that can have profound benefits for both you and your baby.
