BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
During my 2013 trip to Colombia, I worked with Save the Children documenting the Kangaroo Program in Bogota. It was not only a pleasure to photograph the intimate relationship between parents and their newborns, but a great opportunity to document a successful story born from a ‘developing’ country, and spread across the world.
“The Kangaroo method humanizes the care of newborn premature babies. It reduces mortality rates and improves their quality of life. It was born, developed and evaluated here, in Colombia. And I believe it should be a great pride for the country”, says Dr. Nathalie Charpak, Director of the Kangaroo Foundation.
When held in Kangaroo position (holding the baby against the parent’s body), the babies often regulate temperature better than those achieved in incubators. “The method also allows the baby to rest and fall asleep deeply, this can never be achieved by an incubator”, Dr. Charpak explains.
As an integral plan, the Kangaroo Program not only assists parents on the healthy development of the baby, but on their social problems. It encourages all family members to work together towards the well being of their newborn babies. Jair, a 20 year-old father, who holds his baby Dilan on kangaroo position during controls at the Kangaroo Foundation in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota says: “the baby can feel our heartbeats, he feels closer to us; it gives him confidence and security”.
Whilst helping babies on their physical development, the Kangaroo Program also allows for a closer bonds between parents and babies: ” it’s more rewarding to able to have my baby by my side from the first moment, instead of having her in an incubator”, says Juana. Her baby Sara, has gained over 60 grams in 3 days. Looking at her baby she adds, “Love is the best medicine”.
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Mothers breastfeed their babies while in kangaroo position at the semi-intensive care unit ward at San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota. When the baby’s condition is delicate, mothers can join 24 hours their babies at hospital to perform the kangaroo position in a controlled environment. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Temperature is monitored on a baby at the intensive care unit in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota. When in kangaroo position with their mothers, babies often regulate temperature better than those achieved in incubators. Bogota – Colombia. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Maria, 35, from Chocó, is assisted by a nurse from the neonatal unit on one of her first visits to her baby in the hospital. Her and her baby, David, who was born 4 days before, learn together the kangaroo method at the intensive care unit in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
David rests on his mother’s chest in kangaroo position, four days after being born. “The method allows the baby to rest and fall asleep deeply, this can never be achieved by an incubator”, says Dr. Charpak from the Kangaroo Foundation. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
David rests on his mother’s chest in kangaroo position, four days after being born. “The method allows the baby to rest and fall asleep deeply, this can never be achieved by an incubator”, says Dr. Charpak from the Kangaroo Foundation. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
A mother and her premature-born baby await for ophthalmological screening at the Kangaroo Foundation in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota. The Kangaroo Program characterises itself for being an integral plan, which cares for the development of the infants across all areas. Bogota – Colombia. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Jair, 20, and his baby Dilan attend controls at the Kangaroo Foundation in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota. Dilan’s mother, Cirley, 17, says the method has helped the baby gain weight and gives them more confidence: “The baby can feel our heartbeats, he feels closer to us; it gives him confidence and security.” Jair and Cirley have been attending the program for eight days. Bogota – Colombia. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
“The Kangaroo Program is much better than the incubator, it is much more rewarding to able to have my baby by my side from the first moment. Love is the best medicine”, says Juana, 25, from Timbiqui, Cauca. Her baby Sara, has gained over 60 grams in 3 days. Bogota – Colombia. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
(Left) Amparo, 38, holds her twins in Kangaroo position at their home in Bosa. “I think the programs teaches the parents a lot, and helps the babies grow faster and safer; closer to the parents”, she says. (Right) “To have them here with us is much better; having to visit them at the hospital is not good enough”, says Gerardo, 36, while he holds his baby boy. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Gerardo, Amparo and Dana look after their twin babies at their home in Bosa, Bogota. As financial difficulties make it harder for families to attend controls, the Kangaroo Foundation facilitates home visits for follow-ups on the babies’ development. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
A mother holds her baby in Kangaroo position at the Kangaroo Foundation in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogota. ‘The program helps families feel more competent to help their babies and actively participate in their recovery. Bogota – Colombia. Nov. 06, 2013. ©Erika Pineros
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