Warm Through the Night

Sunita kept her baby close day and night — and an early start soon turned into confident growth

Sunita's* baby was born at 35 weeks, weighing 2,100 grams — preterm and low birth weight, but thankfully stable. As soon as possible, the baby began exclusively breastfeeding, which took well, and Sunita and her husband were closely involved in every part of the baby's care.

Building confidence in the hospital

With the KMC nurse's guidance, the parents practiced consistent Kangaroo Mother Care alongside careful swaddling to hold in warmth, support growth and build the bond with their baby. By the time the baby was discharged 2 days later, Sunita had the confidence to carry her baby home.

Continuing KMC at home

Sunita continued skin-to-skin care, exclusive breastfeeding and proper swaddling at home. At the follow-up about three and a half weeks on, her baby had grown to 2,670 grams.

"I keep my baby against my chest at home, and even put her to sleep that way at night. She doesn't feel the cold, and my milk comes well too." — Sunita

Sometimes the difference is simply a mother keeping her baby close, day after day and night after night.

*Name changed to protect privacy