Immediately after birth, the first touch between parents – or if not possible for some reason, other caregivers – and their newborn is important for creating and strengthening a close connection (bonding). Regular interactions between you and your baby, along with daily care routines, are vital for nurturing a strong and secure bond.

These early interactions can take many forms, from talking to your baby, practising comfort holding⍰, to holding them skin-to-skin in a practice known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). Breastfeeding and simply spending time observing your baby also contribute to this bond. Even looking at a picture of your baby can help strengthen the connection.

What is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?

Kangaroo Mother Care, where the baby is placed on the parent's bare chest, is a wonderful way to promote bonding, but it is important to ensure the baby's health is stable first. It is best to wait until the baby is waking up before beginning Kangaroo Mother Care. Make sure you are in a comfortable position, sitting or semi-reclined, and that both you and the baby are undressed except for a nappy (diaper).

Healthcare professionals may recommend covering the baby's head and feet to keep them warm. When transferring the baby, nurses will take care of any tubes or lines and wrap them in a blanket. The baby should be positioned with flexed arms and legs, and the head turned to the side with the chin up. Parents can support the baby's head and back with their hands. If the baby needs to return to an incubator, it may take time for them to settle. You can help by staying nearby, speaking softly, gently touching the baby's head, or leaving a cloth with your scent. Throughout, the neonatal unit team will monitor the baby's vital signs to make sure they are well.

While every baby naturally forms a bond with their parents, the quality of this connection can impact the child's social and emotional development later in life. Separating parents and baby soon after birth can disrupt this bonding process, potentially affecting the child's behaviour in the future.

It is important to consider your baby's sleep-wake patterns. Healthcare professionals will guide you on how to prepare for Kangaroo Mother Care, such as wearing easy-to-open clothes, tying back your hair, and washing your hands. You can talk or sing to your baby and even use a hand mirror to see them during skin-to-skin time.

What are the most important benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care? 

• Stronger emotional bond between parents and baby
• Stable and healthy oxygen levels
• Better regulation of body temperature, heart rate, and breathing
• Improved weight gain
• Deeper and longer sleep
• Increased breast milk production, leading to better breastfeeding success and longer breastfeeding periods
• Less crying during medical procedures
• Reduced risk and severity of infections
• Lower risk of neonatal loss of life

Research shows that skin-to-skin contact between father and baby provides similar benefits. This practice is now widely adopted by hospitals and supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

What can you do if your baby is too unwell for Kangaroo Mother Care?

Comfort holding is a gentle method for you and your baby to bond. It involves cradling your baby in the incubator with calm, steady hands, which can be more comforting than stroking or massage. It is a way to share loving touch even when your baby is not ready to be held. Ask your baby's nurse about comfort holding. Together, you can observe your baby for cues indicating when and how to practice it. 

Comfort holding can:
 

• Calm your baby during uncomfortable procedures.
• Settle your restless baby.
• Help your baby drift back to sleep after feeding and care.
• Encourage your baby to be quietly alert and responsive.

Remember to: 
 

• Take off watches and jewellery, roll up sleeves, and thoroughly wash hands and lower arms to reduce the risk of infection in the incubator⍰.
• Ensure your hands are warm before touching your baby.
• If your baby struggles to maintain warmth, use a layer of fabric (such as a hat, vest, or blanket) between you.
• Speak to your baby before touching to let them know you are there.
• Gently cradle one or both hands around your baby's feet, head, or body, keeping movements still. Your baby may enjoy grasping one of your fingers.
• Be patient and watch for signs indicating your baby is relaxed.
• Continue as long as both you and your baby are comfortable. When ending the comfort holding, slowly withdraw your hands from your baby.

Comfort holding is a gentle method of bonding with your baby, providing warmth and reassurance to both of you.