Some images are so powerful, so heartwarming, that they\u2019re almost impossible to resist. One such photo is of a little boy helping his father warm his two premature twin sisters.<\/p>\n
Originally published on the Danish Facebook page Parents and birth in Denmark about three years ago, it\u2019s been shared again and is now gaining new momentum.<\/p>\n
Not long ago, Scandinavian maternity centers began an interesting new practice when it came to their newborn patients. <\/p>\n
In medicine, the \u201cskin-to-skin\u201d method is used for the warmth and comfort of infants, especially those who are born prematurely. Premature babies are particularly sensitive to pain because their brains and nervous system aren\u2019t yet fully developed. But skin-on-skin contact seems to have an analgesic or sedative effect, thus reducing their pain responses.<\/p>\n
Also known as \u201dKangaroo care,\u201d the intent is to give the babies positive, comforting feelings in a critical stage of their development. <\/p>\n
Research from the National Institute of Health shows that the technique effectively reduces pain among preterm babies.<\/p>\n
It is argued that this strategy aids premature infants in greatly reducing after-birth stress, helping them to recover and begin to thrive more quickly. <\/p>\n
In the last few years, the aforementioned Scandinavian maternity centers have seen wonderful results. The survival rate of premature infants recently increased from 30% to an astounding 70%.<\/p>\n
One photo of this method being used has generated a lot of feedback online.<\/p>\n
The picture, originally posted in a Danish Facebook group \u2013 Parents and birth in Denmark \u2013 shows a 5-year-old boy helping his father in the \u201cskin-to-skin\u201d method.<\/p>\n
For\u00e6ldre og F\u00f8dsel har modtaget denne pressemeddelelse: TIL PRESSENRevolutionerende\/nyt\u00e6nkende praksis I Uppsala. \u2026Posted by For\u00e6ldre og F\u00f8dsel on Thursday, May 28, 2015<\/p>\n
While one newborn rests on his father\u2019s chest, the young boy cradles the second infant twin on his own. <\/p>\n
With all of their eyes closed, it appears to be a peaceful scene where all involved are resting comfortably and feeling the closeness and benefits of this post-birth miracle method. <\/p>\n
Recently, the image started spreading across the Internet again when it was posted on the NINO Birth Facebook page.<\/p>\n
In the text that accompanies the photo, Swedish Professor Uwe Ewald describes how kangaroo care works: \u201cSkin to skin contact helps the baby to breathe better. The child becomes more calm and gains weight faster. Research shows that parents bacterial flora \u2013 compared with hospital bacteria \u2013 reduces the risk of serious infections in these delicate children.\u201d<\/p>\n
We are heart-warmed by this adorable, pure image and by such a simple but effective technique for parents of premature babies to use.<\/p>\n
It certainly is both a beautiful and important picture, don\u2019t you think? Share if you agree!<\/p>\n
Let us know what you think about the image and the \u201cskin-to-skin\u201d method in the comments!<\/p>\n