Kangaroo care and skin to skin contact between mother and newborn baby - these are vital practices unheard of in the local Kazakh neonatology hospitals.
Our pediatric nurse was asked to help with giving a course in early intervention for local interns and health professionals (nurses and doctors) in the city hospital.
With an Occupational Therapist colleague, she prepared to address topics like developmental conditions, positioning, kangaroo care, and the mother's role. It was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with local nurses especially as they are working in the department of neonatology.
During the course the nurses constantly asked questions about her experiences, and what they should do in difficult circumstances.
It was also an opportunity to learn how the local health care system works. During conversations with the nurses, she learnt that they are not allowed to have good contact with the moms - there is no room for emotions in their work or opportunities for them to help the moms to hold their children. She was able to explain to the nurses why contact between mothers and newborns is so important as this gives hope to mothers, promotes mother and child bonding, and speeds recovery after this traumatic experience. She gave advice on how to do promote contact.
The Head of Education in the neonatal department wants to meet to speak about giving more training. We look forward to seeing what will come through this contact in the future and we are thankful for this opportunity.
