A maternal embrace helped save two lives in the Neonatology department of the Camilo Cienfuegos Hospital in Sancti Spíritus.
There, Keily González Padrón held the fate of her daughters, Natali and Nicol, who were born at just 28 weeks of gestation and weighed less than two pounds.
The kangaroo method, involving skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, became a vital refuge for these premature twins who entered the world amidst ventilators, uncertain forecasts, and weeks of intensive care.
The case, documented by Cubadebate, has been regarded as one of the most complex challenges faced by that hospital in recent years.
Both girls were born in critical and unstable condition and required immediate resuscitation: they were placed on high-frequency ventilators, especially Nicol, the second to be born, who faced severe lung disease.
For nearly three months, the medical team remained on constant vigil, as four nurses and two neonatologists per shift coordinated every movement, from intubation to nutrition, with no margin for error.
"It was not just one hero, but an entire team that watched over them," said one of the nurses in charge.
But in addition to the equipment and protocols, it was the body and the commitment of the mother that played a significant role in tipping the scale towards life.
Keily embraced her daughters daily against her chest as part of the kangaroo method, a practice that stabilizes babies' heart rate, temperature, and breathing, while also strengthening their immune system.
"When I place them on my chest, I notice how they calm down," the mother shared, visibly emotional.
This act, repeated daily amid tubes, probes, and clinical alarms, not only accelerated the weight gain of the girls but also strengthened the mother-daughter bond.
Every milliliter of breast milk, every skin-to-skin touch, served as emotional and physiological therapy.
Even the father actively participated in the process, sharing the contact sessions to double the stimulation and support.
"Seeing them suck vigorously, hearing their rebellious cries, and discovering them rosy on their mother's chest is the greatest reward for so many sleepless nights," stated Dr. Yainara de Armas, one of the specialists who monitored the case.
The birth occurred one day before Keily's 35th birthday, which she spent in uncertainty, surrounded by worry and the silence of the hospital.
Today, with her daughters stable and gaining weight, she affirms that it was the best possible gift: “Every tear of fear turned into a smile of victory,” she says while recalling the days of uncertainty.
The story of Natali and Nicol is not just a testament to medical effort, but also a portrait of maternal sacrifice in its purest form: the body as a shield, tenderness as treatment, and love as the driving force of life.
In a country where mothers face daily hardships, anxiety, and overwhelming burdens, this story highlights the power of maternal devotion, even when everything seems lost.
For Keily, this was not just another Mother's Day: it was the confirmation that instinct, faith, and perseverance can reshape destiny.
Despite the critical shortage of resources faced by Cuban hospitals, miracles that defy the bleakest clinical forecasts continue to happen.
A case in Santiago de Cuba revealed how a mother and her baby, born at just 29 weeks of gestation, managed to survive after an emergency delivery amid a healthcare environment characterized by a lack of basic supplies.
The medical report detailed that the infant was immediately resuscitated at birth and transferred to the Neonatology unit, where he was placed on a ventilator and fed through a tube.
In another case, documented in the province of Granma, a premature twin baby weighing only 1,100 grams defied all odds by surviving.
Her sister passed away during childbirth, but she was immediately assisted with oxygen, constant warmth, and specialized care. The meticulous follow-up from the medical staff, along with her mother's emotional support, made all the difference in her recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kangaroo Method and Neonatal Care in Cuba
What is the kangaroo method and how did it help the twins in Sancti Spíritus?
The kangaroo method is a practice of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby, which helps stabilize the heart rate, temperature, and breathing of newborns, especially premature ones. In the case of twins Natali and Nicol, this method was crucial for their survival, as it improved their health condition and strengthened the bond with their mother.
What is the current status of the twins Natali and Nicol?
Currently, twins Natali and Nicol are stable and in the process of gaining weight. After nearly three months of intensive care and the constant support of their mother through the kangaroo method, the girls have shown remarkable improvement in their health.
What challenges does the Cuban healthcare system face in the care of premature babies?
The Cuban healthcare system faces multiple challenges, such as shortages of medical supplies and a lack of specialized personnel, which complicate the care of critical cases like those of premature babies. These structural problems endanger the lives of newborns and increase the burden on healthcare professionals on the island.
How has the situation of Cuban hospitals affected neonatal care?
The situation of Cuban hospitals, marked by a lack of resources and medical personnel, has created a challenging environment for neonatal care. Cases like that of the twins in Sancti Spíritus demonstrate the effort and dedication of healthcare professionals despite these limitations, but they also highlight the urgent need for improvements in the country's healthcare system.
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