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On May 15, we celebrate a special day that promotes the power of skin-to-skin contact between parents and their newborn babies – International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day! This day was first established in 2011 by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) to create awareness about kangaroo care and its benefits for premature infants. The practice, named after how kangaroos carry their young in their pouches, has been proven to improve bonding between parents and babies, as well as aid in the baby's growth and development. So let's spread the word about this wonderful way of caring for our little ones and give them all the love they deserve on this special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kangaroo Care Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kangaroo Care was developed by Drs. Edgar Rey and Hector Martinez in Colombia, as a method to keep premature babies warm due to lack of incubators.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Study on Kangaroo Care</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first study on the effectiveness of Kangaroo Care was conducted and results showed improved heart rate, temperature regulation, and shorter hospital stays in preterm infants.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kangaroo Care Goes International</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kangaroo Care was introduced to Sweden, marking the start of its spread to other countries around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>US Adoption</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed Kangaroo Care, encouraging its practice in neonatal intensive care units across the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WHO Recommendation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Kangaroo Care as a routine practice for neonatal care.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Kangaroo Care Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) established International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day, celebrated on May 15th, to promote this beneficial practice worldwide.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear Kangaroo-themed clothing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for kangaroo care by dressing up in kangaroo-inspired outfits or accessories. This could be a fun way to raise awareness and start conversations about the importance of kangaroo care.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread the word on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to educate others about kangaroo care and its benefits. Share informative articles, personal stories, or even create your own post about why kangaroo care is important to you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a kangaroo care event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check if there are any local events or seminars being held in honor of International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day. Attend these events to learn more about kangaroo care and connect with others who are passionate about it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a NICU</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) have kangaroo care programs in place. Consider volunteering your time to help facilitate these programs and provide support to families who are practicing kangaroo care with their baby.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a kangaroo care organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are numerous organizations that support kangaroo care and provide resources for families and healthcare professionals. Consider making a donation to one of these organizations in honor of International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes a crucial aspect of baby bonding and care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day is dedicated to spreading awareness about skin-to-skin contact between a parent/caregiver and a premature or sick newborn. This simple yet powerful act has been proven to have numerous benefits for both the baby and the parent, including improved physical and emotional well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to the needs of preterm babies and their families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Preterm birth is a global issue that affects millions of babies and their families every year. By observing International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day, we can remind people of the unique challenges that they face, such as increased risk for health complications and the need for specialized care. This can help drive better support and resources for those affected.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages family involvement in neonatal care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kangaroo care involves not just the parent, but also other family members in caring for the baby. This promotes bonding and creates a nurturing environment that is essential for a premature or sick infant's development. By raising awareness about kangaroo care, we can encourage more families to actively participate in their baby's special care needs.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kangaroo Care Reduces Newborn Mortality Rates and Illness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research has shown that kangaroo care can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature and low birth weight babies. It also lowers the risk of neonatal sepsis, hypothermia, and hospital readmission after discharge.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kangaroo Care Improves Cognitive Development and School Performance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Long term studies indicate that preterm and low birth weight children, who received kangaroo care during infancy, show better cognitive outcomes and school performance into adolescence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kangaroo Care Enhances Breastfeeding Rates</h3><p class='facts-content'>Practicing kangaroo care encourages breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of breastfeeding success, which provides additional health benefits to the newborn.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kangaroo Care Encourages Parental Confidence and Mood</h3><p class='facts-content'>Parents practicing kangaroo care report feeling more confident about caring for their newborns. It also appears to have a positive effect on their mood, reducing the anxiety and depression often experienced after premature birth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kangaroo Care Can Be Practiced Anywhere</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kangaroo care can be carried out in any setting - from highly equipped neonatal intensive care units to home settings, making it a very accessible practice worldwide.</p></div></div>
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day is celebrated on May 15 every year. In 2024 International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 15
Monday
2024
May 15
Wednesday
2025
May 15
Thursday
2026
May 15
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2027
May 15
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