The dedicated neonatal team at Logan hospital shone a light on the importance of skin-to-skin contact for babies and their families during this year’s Kangaroo-a-thon.
Held from 15 to 29 May, the annual initiative encourages families to spend time holding their babies through kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, while raising awareness of the many benefits it provides for premature and unwell babies.
Kangaroo care involves placing a baby directly on a parent’s chest and has been shown to support bonding and breastfeeding, regulate a baby’s temperature and heart rate, promote growth and development, and improve wellbeing for both babies and parents.
Among the families participating this year were Petrina and Emma whose babies Hezekyah, Leo and Ellie-May are being cared for by Logan’s incredible neonatal team.
Petrina said spending time holding baby Hezekyah close helped them both relax and even improved his oxygen saturation levels.
Emma, whose twins Leo and Ellie-May are just one-week-old, said being able to cuddle both babies at the same time was a special experience.
The initiative also highlights the important role neonatal staff play in supporting families to build confidence and connection with their babies during their hospital journey.