Kangaroo Moms

The Kangaroo Mom Care program is for the the moms who stay with their babies in the hospital for anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Kangaroo care came about as a response to the high death rate in preterm babies seen in Bogota, Columbia, in the late 1970's. There, the death rate for premature infants was 70%. The babies were dying of infections, respiratiory problems, and simply due to lack of attention. Researchers found that babies who were held close to their mothers' bodies for large portions of the day, not only survived, but thrived. In the U.S., hopsitals encourage kangaroo care typically have their mothers or fathers provide skin to skin contact with their preterm babies for several hours each day.

In Karl Bremer, where we volunteer in the Kangaroo Mom Ward the baby is dressed in only a hat and diaper and placed on the mother's chest between her breasts. A jacket or blanket is wrapped around when it's cold. Baby remains in this position all the time except while you go to the bathroom. The baby is fed on demand. While baby is in the kangaroo position he/she stimulates the breasts to produce milk and is able to breastfeed whenever he/she wants.

YFC volunteers assist with being the support, encouragement, listening ear and spoiling the moms while they are at the hospital. We are there Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-12.

Today, we made paper bracelets with the moms. it's a pratical thing they can do, easy and inexpensive. They turned out beautifully. The paper can be varnished prior to rolling it and then it will last longer.

I am truly enjoying my time with the moms and babies. it's a slightly different spin from what I did back home. Please continue to keep these moms and their babies in your prayers. Thank you!