The effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on breast feeding at the time of NICU discharge

Abstract

Background: The WHO has defined KMC as early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and preterm babies. Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most important essential components of Kangaroo Mother Care in preterm babiesMethods: This a cross sectional study, 265 consecutive premature newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between May 2015 and May 2016 in KIMS NICU Hospital in Bengaluru were evaluated. All of candidate mothers were educated for KMC and compared with a CMC group.Results: In this study 159 mothers performed kangaroo mother care (KMC group) versus 106 in conventional method care (CMC group). In KMC group exclusive breast feeding was 99 (65.2%) versus 40 (37.7%), and P = .00 in CMC group, at the time of hospital discharge. Receiving KMC, and gestational age were the only effective factors predicting exclusive breastfeeding. Present result indicated that there was a 2.7 time increase in exclusive breastfeeding by KMC, and also weekly increase in gestational age increased it 0.9 times, but maternal age, birth weight, mode of delivery, and 5-minute Apgar score had no influence.Conclusions: KMC is more effective, and increases exclusive breast feeding successfully. It can be a good substitution for CMC (conventional methods of care). It is a safe, effective, and feasible method of care for LBWI even in the NICU settings.

The role of skin-to-skin contact in exclusive breastfeeding: a cohort study

“…Seeking to minimize the negative effects of mother-child separation, early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is recommended during hospitalization in the neonatal unit, which consists of placing the infant in an upright position, wearing only diapers, on the mother’s chest 4 . Contact with the mother, her touch and speech promote breastfeeding 5 , 6 , stimulate lactation, and the progression of the sucking behavior in both full-term 3 , 4 , 6 and preterm infants 7 .…”

The effects of kangaroo mother care on the time to breastfeeding initiation among preterm and LBW infants: a meta-analysis of published studies

“…It is a comprehensive intervention given for all newborns especially for premature and low birthweight (LBW) infants. Kangaroo mother care is the most feasible, readily available, and preferred intervention for decreasing neonatal morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries, and suitable for use in all settings [2]. It is based on three components: kangaroo position (skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant), breastfeeding; and timely discharge with close follow-up [3].…”