Images via March of Dimes/Schaumburg Photography
Photographs reveal the profound impact of skin-to-skin contact between NICU mothers and their newborns. For many mothers, the most cherished memory of childbirth is the initial moment of holding their baby closely. However, for those whose infants are born prematurely or require urgent medical care, these moments can be all too brief.
Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin care, has numerous documented advantages. These include alleviating discomfort and anxiety, lowering the risk of infection, fostering brain development in infants, and enhancing the physical bond between mothers and their babies. Health experts and organizations like the March of Dimes endorse its practice globally.
Yet, carving out quality time can be challenging in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where fragile babies often require constant medical attention. In a heartwarming initiative in honor of Mother’s Day, the March of Dimes collaborated with Saint Luke’s Hospital to create memorable experiences for NICU mothers by offering support and photography sessions to immortalize their skin-to-skin bonding moments.
The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program at Saint Luke’s Hospital is dedicated to assisting mothers on bed rest or those at their baby’s side in the NICU. Premature infants—born before 37 weeks—face significant health risks and may endure lasting disabilities, such as respiratory issues, vision impairment, cerebral palsy, and cognitive delays. In the U.S., around 380,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which translates to one in ten births. Alarmingly, the rate of premature births in the U.S. surpasses that of many other developed nations.
To combat this issue, the March of Dimes is funding innovative research across a nationwide network of five Prematurity Research Centers, where scientists work together to achieve groundbreaking advancements in the field of prematurity.
Photographers, some of whom have personal NICU experiences, were engaged to document these precious bonding sessions, capturing the deep connections between mothers and their babies. “Mother’s Day—especially a new mom’s first with her baby—can be challenging for families with children in the NICU,” stated March of Dimes president, Laura Bennett, in a press release. “Our NICU Family Support program collaborates with Saint Luke’s Hospital and over 100 other hospitals nationwide to ensure families receive the necessary support for a positive experience during their NICU journey.”
These images poignantly convey the importance of these intimate moments for new mothers. Congratulations to all the NICU moms, and Happy Mother’s Day!
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In summary, the March of Dimes and Saint Luke’s Hospital are making a significant impact on the lives of NICU mothers and their babies by promoting skin-to-skin contact, which is crucial for bonding and development. These beautiful photographs serve as a testament to the strength and love shared between mothers and their newborns during such challenging times.