Embracing Motherhood, with the Help of the Kangaroo Method
At 18, Floriane faced a tough start to motherhood when baby Aisha was born prematurely. Two months later, Aisha is thriving—thanks to the warmth and care of the Kangaroo Method.
“There was a warmth I’d never experienced before — it was such a special moment for me.”
Wrapped snugly in a white blanket and wearing a tiny pink cap, baby Aisha lies peacefully in her mother’s arms. Floriane gently cradles her, radiating a calm that contrasts with the anxiety she once felt. “During the ultrasounds, the doctors told me that my baby would arrive earlier than expected,” Floriane recalls. “At first, I was really stressed. I didn’t know what to expect.” But Floriane soon found comfort in the Kangaroo Method, a form of care centered on skin-to-skin contact, known to promote bonding and improve the health of premature babies. “The first time I held her like that, I felt an instant connection,”
The experience was just as meaningful for baby Aisha. “She loves being cuddled against me,” Floriane says, smiling. “She knows I am her mother. Feeling each other’s heartbeat created a bond that is hard to describe. It made both of us feel safe.” That deep connection became the heart of their routine.
Over the two months they spent in the hospital, Floriane rarely let anyone else hold her daughter except for Aisha’s father. “I prefer being the one carrying her,” she explains with a laugh.
“Holding her like this lets me do a lot of things, so I don’t feel the need to hand her over to anyone else. Honestly, I only put her down for about two hours a day, just to breastfeed or change her.”
Grateful for her baby’s progress, Floriane expressed heartfelt appreciation for the healthcare professionals at the Ngaoundéré Regional Hospital. Their guidance and compassionate care throughout her pregnancy and after Aisha’s birth made all the difference. She also praised the Kangaroo Mother Care project, encouraging other women to embrace the method. “It truly helped me and my baby,” she said.
“I hope more mothers get the chance to experience its benefits.”
As mothers like Floriane and Miste cradle their fragile but thriving babies close to their hearts, they are living proof that even the tiniest lives can grow strong with the right support and love. The Kangaroo Mother Care method is more than just a medical approach.
Thanks to the support of healthcare professionals and the availability of Kangaroo Care, made possible through the partnership between UNICEF and the Republic of Korea, young mothers like Floriane are not alone. This collaboration is helping to equip hospitals, train staff, and raise awareness so that even the youngest and most vulnerable mothers can confidently care for their newborns. Together, they are building a future where every baby, no matter how early their arrival, has the chance to grow, thrive, and be embraced in warmth and hope.
