Kangaroo mother care can be initiated immediately in babies weighing
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) refers to care of preterm or low bih weight infants by placing the infant in skin-to-skin contact with the mother or any other caregiver.KMC was first suggested in 1978 by Dr Edgar Rey in Bogota, Colombia. The term kangaroo care is derived from practical similarities to marsupial caregiving, i.e. the infant is kept warm in the maternal pouch and close to the breasts for unlimited feeding.ComponentsKangaroo position. The kangaroo position consists of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the infant in a veical position, between the mother&;s breasts and under her clothes. The provider must keep herself in a semi-reclining position to avoid the gastric reflux in the infant. The kangaroo position is maintained until the infant no longer tolerates it, as indicated by sweating in the baby or baby refusing to stay in KMC position.Kangaroo nutrition: Kangaroo nutrition is exclusive breastfeeding.Kangaroo discharge and followup: Early home discharge in the kangaroo position from the neonatal unit is one of the original components of the KMC intervention.Physiological BenefitsKMC results in keeping neonates warm and cozy. Babies get protected against cold stress and hypothermia.Physiological parameters such as hea and respiratory rates, oxygenation, sleep patterns get stabilized.Clinical BenefitsKMC significantly increases milk production in mothers and exclusive breastfeeding rates.KMC improves weight gain in the infants and improves thermal protection. It reduces incidence of respiratory tract and nosocomial infections, improves emotional bonding between the infant and mothers and results in earlier discharge from the hospital.Bih Weight > 1800grams, KMC can be initiated immediately after bih1200 to 1800grams: May take a few days before KMC can be initiated< 1200grams: May take days to weeks before KMC can be initiatedRef: Paediatrics; O.P. Ghai; 8th edition; Page no: 150
500 - 1000 grams
1000 - 1200 grams
1200 - 1800 grams
> 1800 grams
New born infants