Kangaroo Care helps give newborns head start

Kangaroo Care is the practice of skin-to-skin contact with newborns; i.e., holding an infant’s naked body against the bare chest of the mother (or father, partner, or other family member) to promote wellbeing. Developed in the late 1970s, its benefits are many, as it reduces stress, promotes healthy weight gain and blood sugar levels, keeps the baby’s temperature and heart beat at normal levels, and allows better results from breastfeeding.

At Justinien University Hospital, one of our healthcare partners in Cap-Haitien, Kangaroo Care is promoted in the pediatric services’ neonatal care unit, giving newborns the head starts they need to live healthier lives. Konbit Sante volunteers introduced this practice to JUH, and we continue to promote training and provide educational materials on its practice.