Each year, in the weeks leading up to International Kangaroo Care Day on May 15, nursing teams from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the JGH take part in the Kangaroo-A-Thon, a friendly competition organized by the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation that brings together Montreal-area hospitals to raise awareness about this evidence-based post-natal care technique.
This year, the JGH logged the greatest number of hours of all the participants in the regional competition, exceeding even the goal the teams set for themselves, with 4.6 hours a day.
Kangaroo care is considered essential for the nourishment of premature babies. It involves placing a baby skin to skin on a parent’s chest while the newborn sleeps, feeds, has their vital signs monitored or receives medication. Parents are supported and encouraged to provide kangaroo care for as long as possible, every day.
To keep practices current, veteran NICU nurses serve as kangaroo care champions, guiding newer colleagues through all aspects of the technique. Teaching also includes hands-on role-playing simulations. NICU leadership also visits teams throughout the period, quizzing staff on best practices and awarding prizes.
This strategy was a winning approach, with the nurses crowned Kangaroo-a-thon 2026 regional champions!
