Skin-to-skin contact, also known as “kangaroo care,” is the practice of placing a newborn baby directly on their parent’s bare chest. This allows for close physical contact and warmth, mimicking the womb’s environment. For premature babies, skin-to-skin contact has numerous benefits: 1. Regulation of Temperature: Premature babies struggle to regulate their body temperature. Skin-to-skin contact helps them maintain a stable temperature by absorbing warmth from the parent’s body. 2. Improved Heart and Breathing Rates: The proximity to the parent’s heartbeat and breathing patterns helps regulate the baby’s heart rate and breathing, reducing episodes of apnea and bradycardia. 3. Enhanced Weight Gain: Studies have shown that premature babies who receive skin-to-skin contact often gain weight more effectively, which is crucial for their growth and development. 4. Reduced Stress and Pain: Skin-to-skin contact lowers stress levels in both the baby and parent. It also acts as a natural pain reliever for the baby, reducing their need for medical interventions. 5. Boosted Immune System: The close contact helps strengthen the baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections, which is particularly important for premature infants who are more vulnerable to illnesses. 6. Bonding and Emotional Development: The close physical proximity fosters bonding between the parent and baby, which is critical for emotional development and attachment. Overall, skin-to-skin contact offers both physical and emotional benefits, helping premature babies thrive and grow stronger while also supporting the parents’ connection with their child. *SCONTv 📺📺📺*