The Power of

Kangaroo Care

The Power of

Kangaroo Care

The Power of Kangaroo Care

In 2010, Australian mother Kate Ogg defied the odds when her newborn son Jamie was declared dead after a premature birth. Refusing to give up, she instinctively placed him on her chest, holding him skin-to-skin in what’s known as “kangaroo care” as she grieved her son. To the astonishment of doctors, Jamie began to breathe and move.

The Power of Kangaroo Care

In 2010, Australian mother Kate Ogg defied the odds when her newborn son Jamie was declared dead after a premature birth. Refusing to give up, she instinctively placed him on her chest, holding him skin-to-skin in what’s known as “kangaroo care” as she grieved her son. To the astonishment of doctors, Jamie began to breathe and move.

Skin-To-Skin Benefits

Regulates Vital Functions

This care practice helps stabilize the baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing, and temperature—key elements in supporting fragile newborns during their NICU journey. It can reduce the need for external intervention and promote natural biological rhythms.

Enhances Bonding

Skin-to-skin contact fosters deep emotional bonds between parent and baby. It supports the release of oxytocin (the “love hormone”), easing stress, building attachment, and reinforcing a sense of security for both parent and child.

Skin-To-Skin Benefits

Regulates Vital Functions

This care practice helps stabilize the baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing, and temperature—key elements in supporting fragile newborns during their NICU journey. It can reduce the need for external intervention and promote natural biological rhythms.

Enhances Bonding

Skin-to-skin contact fosters deep emotional bonds between parent and baby. It supports the release of oxytocin (the “love hormone”), easing stress, building attachment, and reinforcing a sense of security for both parent and child.

Supports Breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth improves breastfeeding initiation, duration, and milk production. It aligns with our vision of empowering families with tools for lifelong health.

Boosts Infant Health Outcomes

Studies show that skin-to-skin care leads to improved weight gain, better sleep quality, enhanced immune function and reduced pain responses during medical procedures

Supports Breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth improves breastfeeding initiation, duration, and milk production. It aligns with our vision of empowering families with tools for lifelong health.

Boosts Infant Health Outcomes

Studies show that skin-to-skin care leads to improved weight gain, better sleep quality, enhanced immune function and reduced pain responses during medical procedures

FAMILIES SHARE THEIR JOURNEYS

"16 Days was supportive and communicated often with words of encouragement thank you! It’s been nice working with an organization that understands where we’re coming from. Any support when you have an unexpected NICU stay is helpful, so it’s good to see a local organization that helps when this happens."

Angela K.

Parent, 16 Days grant recipient
Due to parental presence, their babies were able to leave
the NICU 50% than the most conservative timeline.

FAMILIES SHARE THEIR JOURNEYS

"16 Days was supportive and communicated often with words of encouragement thank you! It’s been nice working with an organization that understands where we’re coming from. Any support when you have an unexpected NICU stay is helpful, so it’s good to see a local organization that helps when this happens."

Angela K.

Parent, 16 Days grant recipient Due to parental presence, their babies were able to leave the NICU 50% than the most conservative timeline.

Every moment with your baby counts

We help families stay close to their NICU newborns by removing financial barriers—so

you can be present for every heartbeat, every milestone, every day.

Financial support

We provide grants to cover essentials like meals, transportation, and lost wages, so you never have to choose between being present and providing.

Emotional care

We provide grants to cover essentials like meals, transportation, and lost wages, so you never have to choose between being present and providing.

Advocacy & guidance

We empower parents with information and support, helping you navigate hospital systems and advocate for your baby’s needs with confidence.

Connection & hope

Join a network of families who understand. Share stories, celebrate progress, and find hope in the moments that matter most.

Every moment with your baby counts

We help families stay close to their NICU newborns by removing financial barriers—so

you can be present for every heartbeat, every milestone, every day.

Financial support

We provide grants to cover essentials like meals, transportation, and lost wages, so you never have to choose between being present and providing.

Emotional care

We provide grants to cover essentials like meals, transportation, and lost wages, so you never have to choose between being present and providing.

Advocacy & guidance

We empower parents with information and support, helping you navigate hospital systems and advocate for your baby’s needs with confidence.

Connection & hope

Join a network of families who understand. Share stories, celebrate progress, and find hope in the moments that matter most.

Every moment counts in the NICU

Hours parents miss without support

-72

Babies born needing critical care

320M

Every moment counts in the NICU

Hours parents miss without support

-72 320M

Babies born needing critical care

16 Days, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is committed to transparency and accountability. We ensure that all contributions are used effectively to further our mission and make a positive impact.


16 Days EIN is 99-3062045

All rights reserved © 2025 Sixteen Days

ABOUT

Our Mission

02

For NICU Families

03

Skin-to-Skin

04

Benny's Circle

16 Days, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is committed to transparency and accountability. We ensure that all contributions are used effectively to further our mission and make a positive impact.


16 Days EIN is 99-3062045

All rights reserved © 2025 Sixteen Days