Kangaroo Love

For anyone who has spent a good amount of time in the NICU, you will know that there is something called Kangaroo holding. Most NICU babies are not easily available to be picked up and held, thus making bonding a difficult issue. One of the ways a mother or father can have bonding time with their baby is to do what is called Kangaroo Holding. Basically, it is skin on skin contact with your child.

Something I read today reminded me that I need to write about my Kangaroo time with Gavin. It didn't happen until we were transferred up to PCMC. Gavin had been very unstable up until this point, but one night, after a string of good days, I asked the nurse if I could Kangaroo hold Gavin. Since Gavin couldn't suck, I never was able to breastfeed him, and that is something most mother's crave to do - especially when you are told that your child isn't able. Funny how that works, huh? I just wanted to feel his little body against mine. Anyway, one night, our nurse Melissa drew the curtains around his bed and helped place him on my chest in between a button down sweater I was wearing. Thinking about it now just gives me the chills. I remember sitting there for about three hours rocking and singing to Gavin and telling him all about his daddy. During those hours I held him Kangaroo-style, his breathing remained steady and his oxygen saturation stayed in the 90s. Maybe it was just as therapeutic for him as it was for me. I know it may sound like a little thing to many, but holding his little body against my chest was the most fulfilling experience. Oh, how I love my little boy.