Brianna Jacobson
JCBBRI009
Psychology 2009F
19 March 2015
Dr. Lauren Wild
Infants born prematurely or at a low birth weight are at a higher risk for medical and developmental complications than full-term infants. Complications can affect the growing infant and family drastically with problems ranging from chronic lung disease to neurodevelopmental problems (Browne, 2003). Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and health care providers attempt to provide around-the-clock care to sick, premature, or low birth weight infants via special training and equipment. Another method of care for preterm infants involves skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding, and support to the dyad; this is referred to as Kangaroo Care …show more content…
These may include neurodevelopmental problems such as neurosensory impairment, cognitive delays, neuro-behavioral and socio-emotional problems, and motor deficits (Brown, 2003). Furthermore, since the lungs mature later than most organ systems, preterm babies may struggle breathing independently (Blencowe et al., 2012). This leaves the infant vulnerable to acute complications including bronchopulmonary, respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, and so on. Akin to the lungs, the infant’s immune system is also immature, leaving the baby susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. (Webb, Passmore, Cline, & Maguire, …show more content…
Kangaroo Care does things such as reduces maternal stress, decreases postpartum depression, and improves lactation amongst other things, yet the effect that Kangaroo Care has on father-infant cannot be overlooked. The majority of information on Kangaroo Care focuses on mothers and infants, but becoming active in caring for the infant will enhance the father’s paternal feelings, as well as increase their confidence in their paternal role (Blomqvist, Frolund, Rbertsson, & Nyqvist, 2013). Control is a large issue among fathers, often time fathers feel as if they are lacking control or struggling to gain control, so being separated from the infant is stressful, thus making Kangaroo Care a viable option with many benefits. Skin-to-skin contact instigates a sense of importance for the father, making him feel like a crucial participant in the infant’s care (Blomqvist et al, 2013). Fathers’ ability to be touching the infant facilitates attainment, and fathers who practice Kangaroo Care spoke about their infant with respect and pride, as well as felt closer to the infant faster with feelings of joy and passion (Blomqvist et al,