Kangaroo mother care (KMC), called after the way that kangaroos look after their young, has been shown to be an extremely effective method of caring for preterm and low birth weight babies. It involves holding a newborn in skin-to-skin contact, day and night, prone and upright on the chest of the mother, or another responsible person if the mother is unable to do it all the time.
Evidence from using KMC to support preterm and low birth weight babies shows that it results in greater stability of the baby's heart rate and breathing, lower rates of infection and better weight gain. In the mother, it results in increased breast milk supply, and she is more likely to succeed in exclusive breastfeeding.
Preparation for Kangaroo Mother Care
- Make sure the room is clean and warm.
- Provide privacy to the mother so she can open her clothing at the front, exposing her breasts.
- Request the mother to sit or recline comfortably.
- Undress the baby gently, except for cap, nappy (diaper) and socks.
- Place the baby lying flat, facing the mother's chest in an upright and extended posture, between the mother's breasts, in skin-to-skin contact.
- Turn the baby's head to one side to keep the airways clear. Keep the baby in this position for 24 hours every day except for brief breaks.
- Cover the baby with the mother's shawl, or gown; wrap the baby mother together with an added blanket, and put a cap on the baby's head.
- Breastfeed the baby frequently, at least 8-12 times daily.
Benefits of KMC
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Breastfeeding: KMC increases breastfeeding rates as well as increasing the duration of breastfeeding.
- Thermal control: Prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her preterm/low birth weight newborn provides effective temperature control with a reduced risk of hypothermia.
- Early weight gain: Tiny babies gain more weight on KMC than on conventional postnatal care.
- Less morbidity: Babies receiving KMC have more regular breathing and are less likely to stop breathing. It also protects her baby against infection.
How Long Should KMC Continue?
When the mother and baby are comfortable with the process, KMC should continue for as long as possible, or until the gestational age reaches term (40 weeks) or the baby's weight reaches 2,500 gm. But if the baby weighs more than 1,800 gm and its temperature is stable, there are no respiratory problems and the baby is feeding well, it can be safely weaned from KMC before 40 weeks.