Kangaroo Care

September 1, 1993
Originating in Colombia a decade ago as a means of keeping preterm infants (premies) alive in an unheated hospital, "kangaroo care" is a term describing skin-to-skin contact in an upright position. The authors have written a comprehensive book explaining what it is, which premies are suitable and why (not all qualify), the physiological theories behind it, and how it benefits both infants and their parents. They describe a typical neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay and how this procedure can complement NICU treatment. For additional information on premies, see Helen Harrison's The Premature Baby Book ( LJ 7/83). Highly recommended for family health collections.-- Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp. Lib., N.Y.

Copyright 1993 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.