Utility of Kangaroo Mother Care in Preterm and Low Birthweight Infants

ABSTRACT

Preterm birth ( 37 completed weeks of gestation) is the largest direct cause of neonatal mortality; accounting for an estimated 27 of the 4-million neonatal deaths every year. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a type of care for preterm and premature infants whereby the infant is placed in an upright position against the parent's chest; with early skin-to-skin contact between the parent and infant. Mothers who practise KMC exhibit less maternal stress and fewer symptoms of depression; and have a better sense of the parenting role and more confidence in meeting their babies' needs than those who don't. Despite the apparent feasibility of KMC; currently; only a few preterm babies in low-income countries have access to this intervention. Knowledge of the effectiveness and safety of KMC in the community and home setting; and its effects on growth; is still incomplete. Only one study has examined KMC initiation at home. There is an immense need for the promotion of research to improve the delivery of existing cost-effective interventions in low-resource settings and to address key gaps in knowledge. KMC improves growth in low birthweight and preterm infants; and has a significant role to play in protecting them from hypothermia and sepsis; as well as promoting exclusive breastfeeding. KMC helps to reduce neonatal mortality; and inculcates confidence and a better sense of parenting in mothers with regard to their babies' needs