Alaina Nickerl, a passionate student from Georgia State University, has always found joy in the presence of newborns. Growing up as the oldest grandchild, frequent visits to the hospital during her cousins’ and siblings’ births ignited her desire to work closely with infants. This passion guided her towards pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy, specifically targeting her career in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where premature and fragile infants receive specialized care.

Through her studies and involvement in community initiatives, Nickerl discovered the Relief Society's global focus on enhancing women's and children's health, particularly in reducing the rates of maternal and infant mortality. Her attention was drawn to kangaroo mother care (KMC), a groundbreaking practice that emphasizes skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. This method is poised to address multiple health concerns, including improving maternal experiences and newborn outcomes which are of paramount importance in today’s healthcare discourse.

Kangaroo mother care, where newborns are placed on their mother's chest, has proven to be immensely beneficial. This practice not only nurtures the vital bond between mother and child but also stabilizes the baby's temperature, reduces stress, and promotes breastfeeding and better sleep. Despite its documented advantages and growing recognition, kangaroo mother care is still underutilized in many NICUs across the United States.

Nickerl's research highlights a staggering fact: around 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, with approximately 1 in 10 infants in the U.S. entering the world before term. Premature birth remains the leading cause of death among children under five, prompting an urgent need for effective interventions like KMC.

Focusing her capstone project on Atlanta, Georgia, Nickerl aims to tackle high rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality that surpass the national averages. Through her project, she is developing an educational program to raise awareness about the roles and benefits of kangaroo mother care.

“Every NICU baby, even the most vulnerable, can benefit from this practice,” Nickerl asserts. “The experience of being separated from a newborn can be traumatic for parents, especially when plans for a birth take unexpected turns. KMC allows them to secure that vital bond.”

By collaborating with NICU occupational therapists and faculty advisors, Nickerl is about to embark on her clinical rotations within the unit and engage with expectant mothers and NICU staff to further promote the program. Her vision is to empower mothers with knowledge and confidence about the benefits of kangaroo care, enabling them to advocate for this practice effectively.

Though Nickerl does not yet have children herself, she finds profound fulfillment in learning about motherhood through her research. Her commitment to serve and support those around her aligns closely with her faith and values, as she and her husband actively participate in their church community as Sunday School teachers.

Reflecting on her educational journey, Nickerl expresses a deep spiritual connection to her work, viewing her findings as part of a higher purpose. She firmly believes that the human body is uniquely designed for these nurturing experiences, echoing the principles of love and care taught in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As she prepares to launch her project next year, Nickerl aims to inspire a new wave of understanding about the critical importance of kangaroo mother care, hoping for a future where more mothers and infants can thrive together from their very first moments.