KANGAROO CARE AWARENESS
The goal of our Kangaroo-A-Thon is to encourage all NICU and SCN Units to actively promote Kangaroo Care and log as many hours of kangaroo holding (including modified holding) in a two week period. We hope you can host an event across the two week duration in May. We want to see as many hours of brain developing, neuro-protective, attachment building, and immunity boosting good times.
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto Canada found that a kangaroo-a-thon was a fantastic way to break down barriers, unite staff and families with a common goal and witness the transformation of parents, as they were encouraged to cuddle with their infant.
What do you need to do?
We have a tool kit you can us to, promote, educate and host your kangarooing event. The idea is to break down obstacles that may discourage your unit from doing this. We encourage you to;
The winning Australian hospital will also receive a Kangaroo Care Chair, generously funded by WaterWipes.
We are very thankful for WaterWipes supporting the Kangaroo-a-thon for another year.
What is Kangaroo Care?
Kangaroo care or skin-to-skin contact is a special way both mums and dads can spend time holding their baby and it is an experience parents remember fondly during their hospital stay.
Babies wear only a nappy and are placed in an upright position directly on their dad’s bare chest or between mum’s bare breasts. The baby’s head will be turned to the side and then a blanket is placed on top.
Depending on your baby’s medical condition, you may be able to have your first cuddle the day they are born. Other times, you may need to wait days or weeks before their condition is stable enough for you to do so.
It is a good idea to ask your baby’s nurse when would be a good time, as some days may be better than others depending on how your baby is feeling, how you are feeling or what is going on in the nursery.
Kangaroo care can be done with both premature and full-term babies and is known to have many benefits, such as:
Benefits to Baby:
Benefits to Parents:
"I visited my son an average of 12 hours everyday and spent most hours next to his bedside. The time I treasured most was our daily Kangaroo cuddles; we would spend 2 hours snuggling together, often with the both of us drifting off to sleep. Though there were lots happening around us it often seemed that we were the only two people in the room." - Naomi, Miracle Mum to Caden born at 29 weeks.
Parents should not apply strong perfumes and deodorant or smoke before participating in kangaroo care time with their baby. If the doctors feel that cuddling would be too much for your baby, you can still provide them comfort by offering your finger to grasp, talking or singing to them. However, it is always important to speak with your baby's medical team if you have any questions in relation to kangaroo cuddles during this pandemic.
Previous Kangaroo-a-thons:
Thank you to all the hospital NICU & SCN locations who participated in the 2022 Kangaroo-A-Thon! It was incredibly encouraging to see how hard everyone worked to promote this vital campaign. We hope you all had a hopping good time and increased education and awareness with your families and staff.
2023 Participating Hospitals:
NSW:
Auburn Hospital
Bankstown- Lidcombe Hospital
Blacktown Hospital
Children's Hospital Westmead
Dubbo Base Hospital
Fairfield Public Hospital
John Hunter Children's Hospital
Liverpool Public Hospital
Nepean Public Hospital
Royal Hospital For Women
Royal North Shore Hospital
Royal Prince Alfred Hosptial
Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital
Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
Westmead Public Hospital
Wollongong Public Hospital
VIC:
Joan Kirner Women and Children Hospital
Mercy Hospital
Monash Children's Hospital
Peninsula Health- Frankston Hospital
Royal Children's Hospital
The Royal Women's Hospital
Wondoga Hosptial
QLD:
Caboolture Hospital
Cairns Hospital
Townsville Hospital
Rockhampton Hospital
Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital
SA:
Flinders Medical Centre
Lyell McEwin Hospital
NT:
Royal Darwin Hospital
WA:
Fiona Stanley Hospital
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Rockingham General Hospital
St John of God Subiaco
Perth Children's Hospital
TAS:
Launceston General Hospital
Royal Hobart Hospital
ACT:
Centenary Hosptial for Women and Children
INTERNATIONAL:
Beacon Children's Hospital
Derriford Hospital
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Texas Children's Newborn Center
Confirmation Content