The Lifestyle section
These stunning images beautifully illustrate the importance of skin-to-skin bonding for mothers and their babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). For many mothers, the most cherished moment during childbirth is the first time they hold their newborn close. However, for those whose babies arrive prematurely or need urgent medical care, those precious moments can be rare.
Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin care, has numerous documented advantages, such as alleviating discomfort and stress, lowering the risk of infections, promoting brain development in infants, and enhancing the bond between mothers and their babies through physical closeness. This practice is endorsed by health professionals and organizations like the March of Dimes.
In the NICU, where premature and critically ill infants often require intensive monitoring, carving out time for meaningful interactions can be challenging. To celebrate Mother’s Day, the March of Dimes partnered with Harmony Medical Center to create unforgettable experiences for NICU moms by offering photography sessions that capture their skin-to-skin bonding moments.
The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program at Harmony Medical Center provides assistance to mothers either on bed rest or at the bedside of their fragile babies. Premature infants, born before 37 weeks gestation, may face significant health risks and are more prone to lifelong disabilities such as respiratory issues, vision impairment, cerebral palsy, and cognitive delays. Each year, approximately 380,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States, which is one in ten births. This rate exceeds that of most other high-income countries.
The March of Dimes is committed to advancing research through a network of five Prematurity Research Centers across the nation, where experts are working collaboratively to achieve groundbreaking discoveries related to prematurity.
With experienced photographers, some of whom have personally navigated the NICU experience, the March of Dimes and Harmony Medical Center documented these invaluable bonding sessions. The photographs powerfully convey the emotional connection between mothers and their newborns.
“Mother’s Day can be particularly difficult for families with babies in the NICU,” said Jessica Hart, president of the March of Dimes, in a statement to Home Insemination Kit. “Our NICU Family Support program collaborates with Harmony Medical Center and over 100 hospitals nationwide to provide the necessary support for families during such a challenging time.”
These touching photographs clearly illustrate the significance of these moments for new mothers. Wishing congratulations and a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all of them.
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Summary: The March of Dimes and Harmony Medical Center celebrate Mother’s Day by providing NICU mothers with photography sessions to capture the vital skin-to-skin bonding moments with their newborns. Kangaroo care offers many benefits, enhancing the emotional and physical connection between mother and child. These photographs highlight the significance of these experiences for mothers facing the challenges of having a baby in the NICU.