Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a method of caring for premature and low birth weight babies that involves providing skin-to-skin contact between the mother (or another caregiver) and the baby. It is also known as "kangaroo care" or "skin-to-skin care."
KMC was first developed in Colombia in the 1980s as a way to provide care for premature and low birth weight babies in resource-limited settings where access to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) was limited. It has since been implemented in many countries around the world.
The benefits of KMC include improved bonding between the mother and baby, increased milk production in the mother, and improved growth and development in the baby. KMC may also be associated with a lower risk of death in premature and low birth weight babies.
KMC can be used in conjunction with other forms of medical care and is typically provided in a hospital setting. It is typically recommended for premature and low birth weight babies who are stable and do not require intensive medical intervention.
How to perform KMC
To provide kangaroo mother care (KMC), follow these steps:
- Find a comfortable and private place to sit or lie down with your baby.
- Place your baby on your bare chest, with their head above your breasts and their body facing you.
- Cover your baby and your upper body with a blanket or wrap to keep them warm.
- Hold your baby close and provide skin-to-skin contact for as long as you and your baby are comfortable.
- You can talk, sing, or otherwise interact with your baby during KMC.
- If you need to breastfeed your baby, you can do so while providing KMC.
- KMC should be provided for at least one hour at a time, at least 8-12 times a day.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for providing KMC to your baby. KMC should be provided in a safe and comfortable environment, and your baby's vital signs should be monitored regularly. If your baby requires medical intervention or has any signs of distress, KMC should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be sought.
