KANGAROO MOTHER CARE

DR. REKHA DUTT

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

DEPT OF P.S.M. PADMASHREE DR. D.Y. PATIL MEDICAL COLLEGE, NAVI MUMBAI

KANGAROO MOTHER CARE

KMC is a method of caring for LBW babies The baby is placed between mothers breasts in direct skin to skin contact , given exclusive breast feeding. Useful for infants weighing <2000 gm. During KMC ,LBW babies get proper warmth , adequate nutrition and protection against infection. KMC facilitates love and emotional bonding between baby and mother .

Problems of LBW babies

High mortality rate Hypothermia Hypoglycemia Apnea Hypoxia Infection Poor wt. gain Prolonged NICU stay (decreased mother infant bonding)

ADVANTAGES OF KMC TO BABY

Warmth 24 hours Reduced infection Multimodal stimulation Quiet sleep Reduced apnea and oxygen requirement Early growth spurt Better IQ Physiological stability

BENEFITS OF KMC TO MOTHER

Develops self confidence Better bonding with baby Reduced hospital stay Mental satisfaction Economical Successful breastfeeding

COMPONENTS OF KMC
1. Kangaroo position 2. Kangaroo nutrition 3. Kangaroo early discharge and regular follow up

1. Kangaroo position
Skin to skin contact for 24 hrs in a vertical position between mothers breasts and her clothes Babys head turned on one side in slight extended position. Hands are kept above the breasts and legs beneath in frog position. Slight extended head position keeps airways open and allows eye to eye contact between mother and baby.

2. Exclusive breast feeding

Mothers milk provides all necessary nutrients for physical and mental growth Colostrum initial thick milk Prevents infections, malnutrition and allergies

3. Early discharge and regular follow up

Weight gain of 15-20 gm/kg/day for 3 consecutive days Successful breast feeding or expressed breast milk Baby in kangaroo position for 24 hrs Maintaining temperature without assistance No evidence of illness Educate the mother regarding danger signs of apnea, difficult breathing ,convulsions , decreased feeding , decreased activity ,hypothermia/hyperthermia

How long to continue KMC

Once baby starts maintaining her temperature she shall cry or kick , this is the time KMC may be stopped. Donts of KMC: Do not keep baby in horizontal position Do not bathe till baby weighs 2500 gm Do not handle baby too frequently Do not give bottle feed Do not keep baby with sick people