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• Caribbean
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• Pinar del Río
• Health and Medicine
• 02 / 03 / 2009

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Following the example of the marsupials the newborns are placed in small sacks close to the mother’s breast and her heartbeat thereby offering them warmth during these early stages of life.

The method is based on direct contact with the mother’s body and her voice offers security and emotional support of these children born weighing less than 2,000 grams, Doctor Maria Dolores Norman told Prensa Latina.

This method minimizes the psychological trauma of an early separation from the mother and eliminates consequences associated to premature births.

About a thousand small babies from this westernmost province have benefited by this novel technique that promotes breast feeding as one of the main premises.

The children leave the program in optimal conditions and their development is later evaluated until one year of age when they reach psychological growth and normal motor control, the expert added.

Previously twins were not included in this project due to the difficulty of maintaining two babies linked to the mother’s breast at the same time; but participation of the family allow these children now to benefit of the method.

We have had several cases in the ward with the help of grandparents and aunts who have offered themselves as nursing mothers to cuddle on of the newborns, she added.

Pinar del Rio was the first Cuban province to apply this Skin to Skin program that is already in use in several regions of the country.

(PL)