The key aspect of care to any newborn is skin-to-skin contact.

This is MORE IMPORTANT if the baby is preterm – if born too small or too early.

The challenge is to combine necessary modern technology and care with skin-to-skin contact, and this is the fundamental function of the Kangaroula when providing support to preterm babies and their parents.

The following information is also available to download as a PDF file: Support Service for Prem Babies and their Parents.

OUR PREM SUPPORT BRIDGES CARE THROUGH THE JOURNEY

1. BEFORE BIRTH: (for at risk parents e.g. multiples, IVF)

• Being prepared, informed and educated beforehand makes a difference

2. AT BIRTH:
NORMAL DELIVERY – we offer help with:

• Skin to skin contact (on mum or dad)
• Technology as needed
• Encouragement of early breastfeeding and bonding

CAESAREAN SECTION – we offer help with:

• Skin to skin on dad in operating theatre
• Support in transfer to NICU / wards

3. EARLY NICU SUPPORT – we offer help with:

• Skin to skin contact for very small preterms
• With technology like CPAP, ventilator, etc.
• Safe technique
• Sensory supportive environment
• Breastfeeding support

4. LATE NICU SUPPORT – we offer help with developmentally supportive environment and care. Jill is a NIDCAP trainee, (Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care Assessment Program) and works to customize care to your baby’s strengths & needs

5. PREPARATION FOR DISCHARGE: and continuing to…

FOLLOWUP REFERRAL SERVICES

Prems are at high risk for developmental complications, it makes a huge difference identifying and treating these early, we offer help with:

• Assessing your needs and support base
• Planning a continuum of care
• Referral to development physiotherapist
• Other early referrals as needed

COUNSELLING FOR PARENTS: YOUR EMOTIONS AND COPING

This can be a very hard time for you. Your baby needs you to face your feelings, so that you can help her thrive.

COLLABORATION and TEAMWORK with all categories of staff

We will support the staff in their roles, and work to make all involved into an integrated and “state of art” care team.