International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day 2023: International Kangaroo Care Day is observed annually on May 15. It is a global event that seeks to improve kangaroo care in terms of safety, implementation, research, awareness, and education. It also seeks to highlight the physiological and psychological advantages of marsupial care.
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day: A Brief History
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day (Kangaroo Mother Care or K.M.C. Day) was founded on May 15, 2011 by Yamile Jackson, Ph.D., P.E., P.M.P. in an effort to increase the global safety, implementation, research, awareness, and education regarding kangaroo care.
A popular way to celebrate kangaroo care day is by hosting a “kangaroo-a-thon,” a friendly competition to see who can hold an infant for the longest amount of time. Jackson is a Ph.D. engineer in ergonomics and the mother of Zachary, a micro-preemie born on May 15, 2001. Jackson and her husband used kangaroo care to save Zach’s life in the N.I.C.U. when his life-support apparatus failed when he was three weeks old and weighed less than one pound. Zach persevered and flourished despite insurmountable odds. Currently, he attends college.
Jackon’s life mission and transformative aspiration is to enhance the healthcare, development, neuroprotection, and mental health of hospitalised infants and their families.
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HOW TO RECOGNISE INTERNATIONAL KANGAROO CARE DAY
Donate to nonprofits
Look for reputable organisations. Any donation amount is appreciated by organisations.
Hug someone you adore
A genuine embrace generates the “feel-good” hormone serotonin and the “love” hormone oxytocin. It can reduce tension and improve your mood. Hug somebody you care about, such as a spouse, a close friend, or a child. It will benefit both of you.
Aid a mum
Volunteer to assist with child care, errands, or chores. It is essential that mothers feel supported in order to provide optimal care for their families.
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5 STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE BEGINNING KANGAROO CARE
Ensure that you are robust.
You can transmit your illness to your infant, so it’s best to wait until you feel better.
Take the necessary time.
Ideally, you should have skin-to-skin contact with your infant for at least 60 minutes.
Have healthy and clean epidermis
Avoid using perfume and ensure you have no rashes, cold sores, or exposed skin lesions.
Avoid smoking
One should avoid this unhealthy practise for both you and your child’s sake.
Lessen distractions
Turn off all electronic devices and use this quiet time to read or sing to your infant.
WHY THIS DAY IS IMPORTANT
It increases a mother’s assurance in her ability to care for her child.
It can be intimidating to handle a neonate, especially if it’s your first time. Such close contact with the infant gives the mother confidence that she can correctly care for her newborn.
It strengthens the connection between parent and offspring.
Skin-to-skin contact is not limited to mothers and infants. Additionally, fathers can take part in marsupial care.
It increases a mother’s milk production.
Breastfeeding a baby can be difficult. While utilising kangaroo care, mothers have reported an increase in their milk supply.
INTERNATIONAL KANGAROO CARE AWARENESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 15 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 15 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 15 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 15 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 15 | Saturday |
