Kangaroo Care for My Little Miracles, Addelynn and Alexander

Jennifer with her twins

By Jennifer Bader

After 4 years of infertility, my husband Dale and I found out that we were pregnant with twins. At our 6 week ultrasound, we were told that baby A was not viable. However, as parents, we had to remain strong and optimistic. After 13 long weeks, I went in for an ultrasound to find out that not only did I have a sub chorionic hemorrhage, but I was indeed pregnant with twins, both of whom were still viable!

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, I was admitted to the ante partum unit at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. My blood pressure had reached levels that showed signs of preeclampsia. When I was 32 weeks, on the afternoon of December, 19, 2007, I was told that today might be the day to meet my babies. My blood pressure had reached increasingly high levels, endangering both the babies and me. That evening, they took me to the labor and delivery unit where my little miracles were born via emergency c-section. Addelynn Elisabeth arrived weighing 3 pounds with Alexander Gabriel weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces. Both babies were taken immediately to the NICU North where they received immediate attention. Less than 24 hours later, our miracles Addelynn and Alexander were doing so remarkably well that they moved to NICU South where Alex stayed for four weeks and Addelynn remained for five weeks.

Life with two premature babies is an experience in itself. However, having children spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can be quite overwhelming. We considered Addelynn and Alexander’s time in the NICU a blessing. One of the most meaningful memories that I have of the NICU is the encouraging words of wisdom from hospital neonatologists, nurses, and staff.

Jennifer with Addelynn

While in the NICU, we were able to do many amazing things with our babies. We got to bathe them, change their clothes, feed them their first bottles, and watch them grow. However, the most remarkable experience that we encountered was being able to Kangaroo with them for the first time. Kangaroo Care, which has been used in Europe since the 1980’s, is a technique which allows the baby and parent to bond with skin to skin contact. (Learn more at http://www.geocities.com/roopage/linkspage.html) This technique is currently being practiced in NICU’s all across the United States. In my experience with Kangaroo care, I was able to hold my babies in an upright position across my chest, with them wearing only a diaper. Kangaroo Care allowed us to deal with the intense moments in the NICU as well as the sadness of not bringing our babies home right away. We felt that doing something positive to help our children grow while in the NICU was an exciting opportunity for us. It was during this time that we totally bonded with Addelynn and Alexander.

For years, Kangaroo Care has been shown to help premature infants grow, leave their incubators sooner, and achieve more restful sleep. Statistics indicate that breastfeeding mothers who practice Kangaroo Care produce more milk. A number of studies have also shown that parents who routinely provide this care are more comfortable caring for their infant and taking them home once they are ready for discharge.

The Bader Family

According to the Associate Director of the NICU at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, neonatologist Dr. Ken Klesh,” The medical literature strongly supports the value of Kangaroo Care for premature newborn infants, and my own experience suggests that both the infants and their parents thrive when such contact is routinely offered. Successful Kangaroo Care requires a committed and proactive NICU staff and can be safely accomplished with all, but the most ill infants. I would urge parents to inquire about its early implementation because it is the only proven therapy that they alone can provide!”

Locally, Huntsville Hospital encourages Kangaroo Care once a baby reaches a level of stability. According to Jennifer Godwin, NICU lactation consultant at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children, “Kangaroo care is not only a benefit to the premature baby but also helps Mom and baby share in an important bonding moment.”

I had dreamed of having full term healthy babies who could immediately be placed in my arms. However, due to their prematurity, we had to wait. Once they were placed on my chest, though, it was a remarkably unforgettable experience. I only wish that every parent of a premature infant could have the opportunity to Kangaroo with their own precious miracle.

Jennifer with the twins

Jennifer Bader is a stay at home mom to Addelynn and Alexander. In May, she reloacted to Huntsville, with her husband Dale, Addelynn and Alexander. Jennifer holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. However, she hopes to make a difference in the lives of NICU babies and parents by getting involved with Huntsville Hospital.