Doctor Rani continues to tell Sarah that stimulation needs to be given since the baby is born. As much as possible do not leave the baby in the sense of being cared for in a separate room.
Therefore, we often hear that premature babies and even babies born full months will be better if they are treated together or combined with their mother.
"The baby will look for his mother. Imagine that he was in the womb, then after being born prematurely, the baby has separated from his mother again. Therefore, the mother must get healthy quickly, and often come here to see the baby. Then invite your little one to communicate to approach the inner bond again,"
"Most women whose babies were born prematurely become sad because they can't do Early Breastfeeding Initiation or EBI,"
"But, you can't be sad, okay! Don't be sad because your breast milk will be affected too. Now, let's replace the precious moment of Early Breastfeeding Initiation yesterday with Kangaroo Mothercare Early Breastfeeding Initiation," said Doctor Rani in a language that Sarah could understand.
Sarah didn't say anything. She only focused on Doctor Rani's explanation about how to take care of the baby when she got home.
Doctor Rani again explained that the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) system or Kangaroo Method Care (KMC) is a treatment for low birth weight babies or premature births by making direct contact between the baby's skin and the mother's skin or skin-to-skin contact, where the mother uses body temperature to warm the baby. This treatment method has also been shown to improve breastfeeding, thereby increasing the duration and duration of breastfeeding.
The Kangaroo Method of Care (KMC) was first introduced by Ray and Martinez in Bogota, Columbia in 1979 as an alternative way of caring for LBW amid the high number of LBW and the limited existing health facilities.
This method imitates the marsupial kangaroo whose babies are born very prematurely, and after birth are stored in the mother's pouch to prevent cold and to get food in the form of mother's milk.
While the Kangaroo Treatment Method (KTM) is an alternative to the incubator in the care of LBW, with has several advantages, including it is an effective way to meet the most basic needs of babies, namely the contact of the baby's skin to the mother's skin, where the mother's body will become a thermoregulator for her baby, so that the baby gets warmth (avoiding the baby from hypothermia), FMD facilitates breastfeeding, protection from infection, stimulation, safety, and affection.
FMD can reduce the incidence of infection, serious illness, breastfeeding problems, and maternal dissatisfaction as well as increase the relationship between mother and baby and increase infant growth and development.
Sarah currently feels like she is learning about an extraordinary new science in her life. She studied with a focus on being a good mother to the little one who was still vulnerable.
"Well, what kind of stimulation can be given to premature babies? I explained earlier. In addition to the skin-to-skin contact, for example, we are diligent in inviting babies to chat or sing songs for them too. If Muslims usually read the holy verses of Al -the Quran near the baby,"
"Various stimulation can be done in daily life. Don't forget to also monitor the development of children and fulfill their nutritional status, OK!"
Doctor Rani also advised Sarah to struggle, especially when her prematurely born child was in the first two years of her life. Because that's when his brain has developed seventy to eighty percent.
"Until here, have you understood what I described earlier? The little one's mother is not confused, by my explanation. right?" Doctor Rani asked jokingly, until Doctor Archie and Sarah smiled too.
"I understand, Doctor. When I get home, I'll try to learn more about the statements from various sources, and if I'm still not clear, I can still ask Doctor Rani, right?" asked Sarah who started to smile after her mind was enlightened.
"Yes, of course! Why can't you?" replied the doctor kindly before returning to explain the important thing to say to Sarah.
Doctor Rani explained to Sarah about the condition of her baby who could be sent home shortly because the baby had met several health requirements that the little one had to go through.
"Babies born prematurely can be sent home and treated at home if they meet the following requirements!"
"The baby can breathe spontaneously and does not need oxygen assistance. In Sarah's condition, the baby has been able to breathe without the help of an oxygen tube since a few days ago,"
"The baby's sucking reflex is good so it can suck on its mother's nipple or pacifier. Well, this time it still has to be tested, because the baby has just been removed from the tube to deliver liquid to his mouth. So, everyone still has to pay attention properly,"
"The baby's body temperature is stable and the baby is not yellow. Mother and we will see, the baby's skin is nice and bright. It doesn't show that the baby is yellow,"
"And lastly, there are no signs of infection in the baby and the baby's minimum weight is 1800 grams, but in the morning, the little one's weight has almost touched two kilograms. This means that the growth and nutritional intake in mother's milk are good,"
"Thank you, thank you, God..." Sarah who was moved immediately gave thanks.
"Doctor, is there anything else I need to do after all? For example, what can't I do for my little one later?" Sarah continued to ask.
"That's a very good question, Mom! What you should pay attention to later when you are at home, is not to use diapers or diapers to cover the baby's umbilical cord because it can cause infection. Besides that, it can also interfere with the baby's breathing. It is recommended to use cloth diapers, Mom!"
"Do the treatment of the umbilical cord only by using alcohol cotton only. It is not allowed to use any concoction. If possible, don't let it get wet, okay?"
"Give exclusive breastfeeding as often as possible until the baby is 6 months old and give complementary foods after 6 months, Mom,"
"Don't be influenced by news whose sources are uncertain. Don't panic if babies cry a lot. This is normal. Let alone babies, we who are adults are sometimes uncomfortable with what we feel, and such a small baby can only cry,"
"Just breastfeed until the baby is comfortable again and check too, maybe the diaper is wet or there are small insects stuck in his clothes,"
"Keep the baby's body temperature. Do not let damp clothes stick to the baby. Do not expose the baby to wind from the fan or outside air. Bathe the baby every two to four days. If the weather is cold, just wipe with a towel using warm water,"
"One important thing that must be maintained. Pay attention to the baby's weight gain, at least 15 grams per kilogram of the baby's body weight a day. For example, the baby's weight is 2 kg, meaning the weight gain must be at least 30 grams a day, Mom!"
"And lastly, take the baby to the Posyandu every 2 weeks for the first month, then it is recommended to come every month. At the Posyandu, the baby will be weighed and his body length measured, then included in the baby growth chart. Give the baby basic compulsory immunization according to the schedule,"
"I think I've said a lot of information since earlier, Mom. I hope you can practice it well and don't get tired of asking questions when you have problems taking care of the baby later,"
Doctor Rani finished teaching Sarah with a lot of important and valuable information that Sarah had only heard after becoming a mother. Arah thanked Doctor Rani profusely before saying goodbye to go home.
Sarah left the hospital feeling indescribable. Finally, soon the baby was allowed to go home and that made her very happy.
Sarah happily approached her motorbike which looked like it had a lot of scratches from the incident earlier. But Sarah looks fine because her motorbike can still be used to go home.
Right in front of the hospital gate, Sarah saw some parents who were even older than her father and might deserve to be called grandfathers.
Three grandfathers were sitting together in their taxi. It seemed they were waiting for passengers.
'What a pity. At such an old age, the old men still have to earn a living. Shouldn't they be living comfortably at home already?' Sarah said sadly in her heart.
Sarah approached the grandfathers there and again parked his motorbike at the edge of the gate. When they were in front of the grandfathers, Sarah greeted them while taking out the envelope given by Ben's mother earlier.
"Hi, Grandpa? Are you guys waiting for passengers?" Sarah asked kindly.
"Yes, Miss. We are waiting for passengers. It's been more than three hours we haven't got any passengers. Would you like to take a taxi?" a grandfather Sarah asked answered at the same time asked at the end of his sentence to Sarah.
"No, Grandpa. I ride my motorbike. I just want to give this to you guys here," Sarah answered as she handed the white envelope to one of the grandfathers in front of her.
It looks like Sarah's hand is still hanging because her gift has not been received. The three old men are still confused about what Sarah did for them.