Today, we’d like to share with you how kangaroo and human parenting are alike. They are both carrying mammals and their infants expect to be carried close to the warmth of their mama in order to mature. Both human and kangaroo mothers produce milk that is a perfect blend of vitamins and nutrients to sustain the development of their baby. Did you know that the term “skin-to-skin” originated from kangaroos’ parenting style? Below is a list of how parents and babies benefit from skin-to-skin care:
Benefits for Baby:
- Greater breastfeeding self-efficacy
- Increases Oxycontin
- Stabilizes weight loss for infants born with low birth rate
- Higher body and skin thermoregulation
- Enhanced respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic adaptation in the neonate
- Providing infants with a smoother transition from the womb
Benefits for Mother:
- Decreases anxiety
- Decrease in post-partum depression
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- Increases levels of Oxycontin, resulting in feelings of calm
Benefits for Father:
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- Increases Oxycontin levels, resulting in parental instincts and feelings of calm
- Decreases anxiety
- Increase in positive parent interactions