The heartwarming photograph depicts a five-year-old child assisting his father with “skin-to-skin” therapy for premature twin sisters. Originally shared on the Facebook group “Parents and Birth in Denmark” about three years ago, the image has recently garnered renewed attention.
“Skin-to-skin” therapy, also known as “Kangaroo care,” involves placing premature babies on the bare chest of their parents to provide warmth and comfort. This technique has a calming effect that helps reduce the babies’ pain responses, making it particularly beneficial for premature infants. Research by the National Institute of Health has shown that “skin-to-skin” care effectively reduces pain levels experienced by preterm neonates.
The implementation of this method in maternity clinics across Scandinavia has led to a notable increase in the survival rate of preterm infants, which has risen from thirty percent to seventy percent.
The shared snapshot captures a poignant moment where a father holds one of his children against his chest while another child, aged five, cradles the other twin. This touching moment fosters a serene bonding experience for the entire family.
The photograph has attracted positive attention for its simplicity and effectiveness in aiding the recovery and development of premature infants. In an accompanying article, Swedish Professor Uwe Ewald discusses the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for babies, emphasizing its advantages such as improved breathing, heightened tranquility, and accelerated weight gain.
Additionally, the method reduces the risk of severe infections, providing further benefits to the health and well-being of premature infants.
The image beautifully depicts the profound impact of “skin-to-skin” care on preterm babies and their families. It resonates with viewers, underscoring the beauty and significance of a therapy that is both simple and highly effective for infants during critical developmental stages.