Birth Kangaroo (Skin-to-Skin) Care and Breastfeeding

Kangaroo care (KC), also known as skin-to-skin care, has been described often in the nursing literature for its benefits for both preterm and fullterm infants. In this case study KC was used for a mother in a high-risk situation: eclampsia. This mother gave birth to a 34-week preterm infant, and desired breastfeeding. KC was initiated, and due to the high risk for subsequent seizures, included close observation by these nurses. The mother successfully breastfed, and continued the KC at home.