Images by March of Dimes/Schaumburg Photography
Photographs depict the profound impact of skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their infants in the NICU.
For many mothers, the most cherished memory of childbirth is holding their newborn for the very first time. However, for those with babies born prematurely or in need of urgent medical care, these moments can be brief.
Skin-to-skin care, also known as kangaroo care, has shown significant benefits such as alleviating pain and stress, decreasing infection risks, fostering infant brain development, and enhancing maternal bonding. This practice is endorsed by the March of Dimes and various health professionals globally.
Nonetheless, carving out quality time can prove challenging within the confines of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where fragile infants require constant medical supervision.
To commemorate Mother’s Day this week, the March of Dimes collaborated with Saint Luke’s Hospital to create memorable experiences for NICU mothers. They provided support and organized photography sessions focusing on skin-to-skin bonding moments.
The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program at Saint Luke’s assists mothers either on bed rest or at their babies’ sides in the NICU. Premature infants (born before 37 weeks) often face severe health complications and are at risk for long-term disabilities such as respiratory issues, vision impairments, cerebral palsy, and cognitive delays. In the United States, approximately 380,000 babies are born prematurely each year—equating to one in ten births. Notably, the premature birth rate in the U.S. surpasses that of most other high-income countries.
The March of Dimes is dedicated to pioneering research through a national network of five Prematurity Research Centers, where scientists and researchers collaborate to achieve breakthroughs regarding prematurity.
Photographers, some of whom have personal NICU experiences, documented these intimate bonding sessions, showcasing the powerful connection between mother and child.
“Mother’s Day, particularly a new mother’s first with her infant, can be incredibly challenging for families with children in the NICU,” stated March of Dimes president, Laura Mitchell, in a recent press release. “Our NICU Family Support program collaborates with Saint Luke’s Hospital and over 100 other facilities across the U.S. to provide essential support, ensuring families have the best experiences possible during their babies’ NICU stays.”
The images reveal the significance of these moments for new mothers. Congratulations and Happy Mother’s Day to them!
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In summary, capturing these crucial moments of connection between NICU mothers and their newborns highlights the importance of support and bonding during such challenging times. The March of Dimes and Saint Luke’s Hospital play a vital role in facilitating these experiences, offering hope and encouragement to families navigating the NICU journey.
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