The recent story of Kate Ogg reviving her baby, Jamie, after he was pronounced dead by doctors highlights a very important issue for moms-to-be. Kangaroo care, or placing a newborn in skin to skin contact with his/her mom (or even dad) has tremendous benefits for the baby. In the case of Jamie Ogg, it saved his life. At birth, he did not immediately begin breathing and after doctors’ attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead. His parents believed that he had passed away, but Kate held him to her chest for what she thought was a goodbye. As both parents grieved and said goodbye to their little one, he took a few small gasps, which medical staff explained as reflex breaths. After him responding, she offered him some breast milk and after 2 hours of being considered dead, Jamie was recognized to be very much alive. He has since grown into a healthy baby.
Skin to skin contact with babies is slowly become a more common practice in hospitals, particularly neonatal intensive care units, because of the overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness. It provides many benefits to both mother and child including stabilizing the baby’s heart rate and breathing, improving oxygen saturation levels, establishing successful breastfeeding relationships, promoting longer sleep and less crying, and improving immunity. Another major benefit is the effect of stabilizing the baby’s body temperature. One study found that after practicing kangaroo care, 90% of babies had regained proper body temperature, compared to only 60% of the babies who were in incubators. The skin to skin contact also helps prevent babies from overheating, as the mother’s body absorbs excess heat and simply allows the baby’s temperature to stabilize.
Instinctively, we know where new babies belong, but in our modern world, we sometimes forget how important a mother’s touch can be. I’m grateful that the amazing story of the Ogg family can remind us.
Photo by Barry Hill
