Giving birth to a preterm baby can be a frightening and traumatic time for parents. Fears about the wellbeing of your baby and the sense of emergency within the delivery room can result in you and your partner feeling excluded and powerless. Understandably, the health of your baby will take precedent at this time and the nurses and medical staff will be focussing on ensuring that your baby’s condition is stabilised.
However even very preterm babies sometimes go through an initial period of stability and there may be an opportunity for you to hold him in skin-to-skin contact for a short period of time. This can help stabilise his breathing and heart rate and stimulates mothering hormones which will help you to produce breastmilk. If you are unable to have skin-to-skin contact at this time, you can look forward to when you and your baby are well enough to enjoy skin contact on the neonatal unit.
FAQs
How soon will I be able to see my baby if he is transferred to the neonatal unit?
You will be encouraged to go to see your baby as soon as his condition is stabilised. If you have had a caesarean section you can ask to be wheeled down to see your baby as soon as staff are confident that you are well enough. Staff in the unit will help keep you informed as to his progress and Dad can take photos for you to have by your side until you are able to get to your baby.
I have heard the term ‘kangaroo care’ discussed – what is this?
Kangaroo care is a term used to describe how a baby is held in skin-to-skin contact for periods of time. It is particularly beneficial for preterm babies as it helps to calm the baby, resulting in more regular heart rate and better oxygen uptake. Kangaroo care also boosts the hormones which promote a stronger mother/baby bond and help establish a better milk supply.
Can Dads have kangaroo care?
Yes, in fact this can be an ideal way for Dads to be involved with the care of their baby and having an opportunity to hold their baby in skin contact will help to promote a strong bond between them. Click here to find out how to hold a baby in Kangaroo care.
