In the world of motherhood, few moments are as cherished as the instant a mother holds her newborn for the first time. Yet, for moms whose babies are born prematurely or need immediate medical care, those precious moments can be fleeting.
Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, has been shown to offer numerous benefits for both mothers and their infants. This practice helps to alleviate discomfort and stress, reduces the risk of infection, fosters brain development in babies, and strengthens the bond between mother and child through physical touch. The March of Dimes and healthcare professionals around the globe advocate for this practice.
However, spending quality time with a newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be challenging. Babies who are critically ill or premature require constant medical attention and are often in delicate condition.
Recently, in celebration of Mother’s Day, the March of Dimes collaborated with Sunshine Hospital to create special memories for NICU moms. They provided support and photography sessions that captured the intimate moments of skin-to-skin bonding. This initiative is part of the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program, which assists mothers either on bed rest or by the bedside of their critically ill newborns.
Premature births, defined as those occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, can lead to serious health complications and long-term disabilities such as respiratory issues, vision impairment, cerebral palsy, and cognitive delays. In the United States, approximately 380,000 infants are born prematurely each year, which equates to about 1 in 10 births. Alarmingly, the rate of premature births in the U.S. surpasses that of many other developed countries.
The March of Dimes is at the forefront of advancing research through a network of five Prematurity Research Centers, where scientists are working together to address the challenges of prematurity. Photographers, some of whom have personally faced NICU experiences, were enlisted to document these bonding sessions, capturing the profound connection between mother and baby.
“Mother’s Day can be particularly difficult for families with children in the NICU,” said April Johnson, president of the March of Dimes, in a statement shared with Home Insemination Kit. “Our NICU Family Support program partners with Sunshine Hospital and over 100 additional hospitals nationwide to provide families with crucial support during this trying time.”
The photographs from this initiative underscore the significance of these moments for new mothers. Congratulations and warm wishes to all NICU moms on this special day.
For more insights, check out our other blog post on the importance of kangaroo care here.
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In summary, these heartwarming photographs serve as a reminder of the importance of maternal bonding, especially for mothers navigating the challenges of having a baby in the NICU. The March of Dimes continues to make strides in providing support and resources to families during these critical times.