by Preterm infants, those born before the 37th week of gestation, often face numerous health challenges. Among the various interventions aimed at improving their development, skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, has gained significant attention. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics sheds new light on the importance of this simple yet effective practice.
The research, led by Dr. Nils Bergman from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, involved 150 preterm infants born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. The infants were randomly assigned to either receive regular kangaroo care or standard care. The study took place in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in South Africa.
The results showed that infants who received kangaroo care had better neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of age compared to those in the standard care group. Specifically, the kangaroo care group scored higher on tests assessing cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development.
Kangaroo care involves placing the infant on the mother’s or father’s bare chest, allowing for close contact and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact. This practice not only helps regulate the infant’s temperature and heart rate but also promotes bonding between the parents and their baby.
The study’s findings add to the growing body Skin Rash Treatment of evidence supporting the benefits of kangaroo care for preterm infants. The researchers believe that the early stimulation and emotional support provided during kangaroo care may contribute to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The study highlights the importance of skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, in the neurodevelopment of preterm infants. The simple yet effective practice not only supports the infant’s physical well-being but also fosters emotional bonding between parents and their babies. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these benefits and to explore ways to implement kangaroo care more widely in neonatal care settings.
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1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
