Kangaroo mother care (KMC), which involves sustained skin-to-skin contact between a parent and infant, offers numerous benefits, particularly for preterm and low-birthweight babies.
These benefits include improved weight gain, stable breathing, enhanced bonding between parent and baby, reduced stress and crying, and better sleep patterns for the infant. Additionally, KMC promotes breastfeeding and can lead to increased milk production, reduced postpartum depression, and earlier hospital discharge.
Benefits for the Baby:
Improved Weight Gain:
Kangaroo care is associated with faster weight gain in preterm and low-birthweight infants.
Stable Vital Signs:
KMC helps stabilize the babys heart rate and breathing, making their breathing more regular.
Reduced Stress and Pain:
Skin-to-skin contact can help alleviate stress in the baby, as measured by cortisol levels, and may reduce the babys pain response to procedures like heel pricks.
Improved Sleep:
Babies in KMC tend to sleep longer and more soundly, with more quiet sleep cycles.
Enhanced Immune System:
KMC can help babies acquire beneficial bacteria from their parents, strengthening their immune system.
Better Brain Development:
Kangaroo care is associated with better brain development in babies, particularly for those born preterm.
Reduced Risk of Hypothermia and Infections:
KMC helps regulate body temperature and may lower the risk of hypothermia and infections, especially in resource-limited settings.
Earlier Hospital Discharge:
Babies in KMC may be discharged from the hospital earlier than those who are not.
Benefits for the Parent:
Enhanced Bonding and Attachment: Kangaroo care fosters a strong emotional connection between the parent and baby.
Increased Breastfeeding Success: KMC can help establish breastfeeding and increase milk production.
Reduced Postpartum Depression: Kangaroo care has been linked to reduced postpartum depression in mothers.
Increased Confidence in Parenting: KMC can help parents feel more confident in their ability to care for their baby.
Reduced Stress: Both the mother and baby experience reduced stress levels with KMC.
