CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital Neonatal Care Unit Celebrating International Kangaroo Care Week

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (May 13, 2026) – The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team at CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital is preparing to jump into International Kangaroo Care Week now through May 16. May 15 is the official worldwide Kangaroo Care Day, a day dedicated to championing the powerful benefits of skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their caregivers.

This week-long observance at St. Francis Hospital's NICU aims to educate families and the community about this evidence-based practice, which is especially crucial for premature or low-birth-weight infants.

Kangaroo Care involves placing a baby directly onto a parent's bare chest, mimicking the natural warmth and security a baby kangaroo finds in its mother's pouch. This simple bonding time has been scientifically proven to offer an array of benefits for both babies and parents, fostering stronger bonds and promoting healthier development.

"At St. Francis Hospital, we are deeply committed to providing the highest level of compassionate and high-quality care for our littlest patients," says Carmen Hollis, NPP, at St. Francis Hospital. "We witness firsthand the positive impact Kangaroo Care has on our babies, encouraging growth, improving developmental outcomes and empowering parents. During this week, our team focuses on family and staff education and activities centered around skin-to-skin care and supporting our NICU families."

The benefits of Kangaroo Care for babies are extensive and include:

• Stabilized heart rate and body temperature: The parent's body acts as a natural incubator, regulating the baby’s vital signs.
• Improved breathing patterns and oxygen levels: The close proximity and rhythmic breathing of the parent help the baby regulate their own respiration.
• Promotes better sleep and weight gain: Reduced stress and a sense of security contribute to improved rest and efficient calorie utilization.
• Reduces crying and stress: The comforting touch and familiar scent provide solace and lessen distress.
• Supports breastfeeding success: Skin-to-skin contact encourages early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
• Increases chances of early discharge from NICU: Healthier, more stable babies are often able to go home sooner.

For parents, Kangaroo Care offers invaluable emotional and practical advantages:

• Strengthens emotional bonds with the baby: The intimate contact fosters a deep sense of connection and love.
• Boosts parental confidence in caregiving: Active participation in their baby's care empowers parents and reduces anxiety.
• May increase breast milk supply in mothers: The close contact stimulates hormone release essential for lactation.

St. Francis Hospital's NICU provides an environment of exceptional care, where highly skilled medical professionals and advanced technology are combined with a holistic approach to patient well-being. The hospital actively encourages and facilitates Kangaroo Care, offering comfortable spaces and dedicated staff to guide parents through the process.