West Lothian midwife invents ‘kangaroo pouch’ scrubs for parents to snuggle new babies

A West Lothian midwife has developed innovative scrubs with a kangaroo-style pouch for birth partners to facilitate immediate skin-to-skin contact with newborns. Stacey Boyle, a midwife at NHS Lothian, conceptualised this new product in a bid to transform neonatal care and enhance outcomes for premature infants. In instances where babies are delivered via Caesarean Section, they can be snugly placed into the pouch worn by the birth partner while the medical team attends to the mother and completes the procedure. This design enables the baby to be cradled within the scrubs, reaping the benefits of vital skin-to-skin contact that includes temperature regulation, stabilisation of heartbeat, support for breathing, and aiding in early feeding, thereby contributing to improved long-term health outcomes.

The concept for the ‘kangaroo pouch’ scrubs stemmed from Stacey’s observation of the challenges faced by mothers in providing skin-to-skin contact in theatre settings due to space constraints. She noticed the discomfort experienced by women and the safety concerns when attempting skin-to-skin contact while lying flat on the operating table. Recognising the increasing interest of birth partners in partaking in skin-to-skin contact, Stacey sought a solution that would allow partners to maintain their scrubs on while facilitating this crucial bonding experience.

Collaborating with her line manager, Marianne Hay, Charge Midwife, Stacey undertook the process of designing and trialling various materials to ensure the baby remains at the optimal temperature during skin-to-skin contact. Following multiple prototypes and positive feedback from patients, the Cozy Cuddle Scrubs (by Stacey) were brought to fruition. NHS Lothian’s Nurse Director, Alison MacDonald, commended Stacey for her innovative approach in enhancing care for newborns and their families during the pivotal moments after birth.

Through partnership with NHS Scotland’s InnoScot Health, the design for Cozy Cuddle Scrubs (by Stacey)™ has been safeguarded and registered, paving the way for broader availability through manufacturing partners. Fiona Schaefer, East of Scotland Innovation Manager for InnoScot Health, highlighted the transformative potential of the scrubs in promoting skin-to-skin contact with newborns, not only within the UK but potentially on a global scale, thus significantly advancing neonatal care and family outcomes.

In summary, Stacey Boyle’s pioneering creation of the ‘kangaroo pouch’ scrubs exemplifies the invaluable impact of innovative thinking in healthcare. By addressing a critical need for accessible skin-to-skin contact in clinical settings, Stacey has not only revolutionised neonatal care but also demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing the early bonding experience between newborns and their families.