Safeguarding Newborns: The Power Of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)

 

What is Kangaroo Mother Care?

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a way of care for premature or low birth weight infants that is often used shortly after birth and throughout infancy. It entails the baby making close skin-to-skin contact with the mother, the baby propped up against the caregiver's chest. Typically, the newborn is merely clad in a diaper and wrapped in a blanket. It enhances the odds of survival for premature or low birth weight babies.

According to current World Health Organization (WHO) standards, kangaroo mother care should begin only after the infant has stabilized in an incubator or warmer, which can take 3-7 days on average. It states that initiating a kangaroo mother care soon after birth has the potential to save up to 150,000 extra lives per year showing that it dramatically improves survival.

Mother-Newborn Intensive Care Units (ICUs) will be essential in assisting the mother or a surrogate in giving this instant and continual skin-to-skin contact from birth. Keeping the mother and baby together from delivery with no separation would revolutionize neonatal intensive care for premature babies. When implemented as soon as possible, kangaroo mother care can save more lives, improve baby health outcomes, and ensure the mother's constant presence with her sick baby.

Benefits Of Kangaroo Mother Care:

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has an array of advantages for both the premature or low birth weight infant and the mother (or carer). Here are some of the primary benefits of practicing KMC:

•      Enhanced Bonding and Attachment: The baby and caregiver's tight skin-to-skin contact during KMC fosters a deep emotional link between them. It fosters trust, affection, and a sense of security, all of which are essential for the baby's emotional development.

• Improved Thermoregulation: Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight sometimes struggle to regulate their body temperature. KMC generates cozy warmth via skin-to-skin contact, assisting in the stabilization of the baby's body temperature and avoiding the effects of hypothermia.

•         Facilitates Breastfeeding: KMC supports and encourages breastfeeding. The baby's proximity to the mother's breast triggers natural breastfeeding cues, resulting in an enhanced supply of milk as well as effective breastfeeding initiation. The baby's improved capacity to latch and suckle aids in proper nourishment and promotes general growth and development.

• Better Weight Gain: Evidence suggests that newborns who receive KMC gain weight faster in comparison to those who do not. During KMC, close bonding, and improved breastfeeding contribute to greater nutrition and weight gain, allowing the infant to reach their full growth potential.

• Enhanced Brain Development: Skin-to-skin contact and the comforting environment of the KMC have been associated with enhanced brain development in preterm infants. The baby's neurological processes are aided by close physical contact, which leads to better cognitive outcomes later in life.

• Reduced Stress and Better Sleep Patterns: KMC has a calming effect on infants, it also aids in lowering stress and fostering better sleep habits. Its safe and supportive atmosphere assists in regulating the baby's sleep-wake cycle, resulting in better rest and overall well-being.

• Shorter Hospital Stays: The implementation of KMC has related to shorter hospital stays for preterm newborns. KMC's stability in temperature regulation, weight gain, and overall health can frequently contribute to an early discharge from the hospital, enabling an easier transition to home care.
  
   
  

Kangaroo Mother Care Position:

 Some general guidelines for the infant’s position in KMC:

1.   Flexed Position: It is common to have the baby's legs flexed up towards their abdomen, forming a gentle "frog-like" position. This flexed position mimics the natural fetal position and helps promote comfort and relaxation for the baby.

2.   Mid line Alignment: The baby's legs should be positioned in the mid line of the body. This means that the legs are not forced to spread wide apart or forced together. Keeping the legs in the mid line helps maintain the baby's natural alignment and prevents strain on the hips and joints.

3.   Freedom of Movement: It's important to allow the baby to move their legs naturally within the range of motion that is comfortable for them. Avoid restricting or forcing the legs into a specific position.

4.   Support: Depending on the baby's size and development, additional support may be needed. This can be provided by using a soft cloth, wrap, or blanket to create a supportive nest around the baby's body, including its legs. This support helps maintain a comfortable and secure position.

 

Importance of KMC in Pakistan:

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a highly useful and widely accepted method of newborn care, particularly for premature or low birth weight babies. Pakistan has been placed fourth in global rankings amongst the 10 countries with the greatest number of preterm births. Its significance cannot be overestimated in Pakistan, as it is in many other countries.

• Improved newborn mortality rates: Pakistan confronts considerable problems in terms of infant mortality, particularly among preterm and low birth weight infants.
  

• KMC is a cost-effective alternative to standard newborn care approaches, making it especially important in low-resource areas like Pakistan. It takes little equipment and is simple to apply in healthcare facilities with low resources, as well as at home with sufficient supervision. This method lowers the need for costly technology and difficult medical interventions, which benefits both families and the healthcare system.
  

• Facilitates early discharge and community-based care: KMC has proven beneficial in promoting the early release of stable neonates in numerous healthcare settings in Pakistan. This relieves the strain on congested hospitals and allows women and babies to receive treatment in the comfort of their homes. With proper guidance, KMC can be continued at home, decreasing the need for extended hospital stays.

To fully achieve the positive impacts of Kangaroo Mother Care in Pakistan, healthcare professionals, governments, and communities must be educated about its significance and execution. Healthcare providers should get appropriate training and instruction to guarantee uniform and high-quality delivery of KMC services across the country. Furthermore, investment in healthcare infrastructure and resources is required to facilitate KMC adoption in hospital settings as well as community-based care.  

Aim of Kangaroo Mother Care:

Kangaroo Mother Care seeks to replicate the conditions in the mother's womb by providing a warm and secure environment for the newborn. This practice has many advantages, such as establishing bonding between the infant and the carer, controlling the baby's body temperature, boosting nursing, and helping the baby's overall growth and development. Close physical touch also aids in stress reduction, sleep improvement, and the baby's ability to grow.

Recommendation:

Kangaroo Mother Care is generally suggested when regular incubator care or intensive care facilities are unavailable or judged advantageous to the baby's health. It is a simple and cost-effective strategy that may be used in healthcare institutions as well as at home, with ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare experts. It offers premature or low birth weight infants the loving and soothing atmosphere they require to thrive and develop in their early stages of life.

Here are some recommendations for practicing Kangaroo Mother Care:

• Evidence advocates starting off KMC as early as possible: If attainable, start immediately after birth or as soon as the baby is stable. Early adoption aids in the establishment of the practice and maximizes its benefits. 

• Frequent and prolonged sessions: Aim for repeated and extended KMC sessions throughout the day. Longer sessions have more advantages, so attempt to increase the duration as the baby tolerates it. 

·    Encourage rooming-in whenever possible, where the baby stays with the mother or carer continually. This fosters a tight and encouraging environment for KMC.

·     Encourage exclusive breastfeeding since KMC improves breastfeeding success dramatically. Allow for unlimited breastfeeding anytime the baby exhibits hunger cues.

•       Positioning and comfort: Maintain an unobstructed airway by positioning the baby in a comfortable position with their head slightly bent forward. Maintain a stable and calm posture by supporting the baby's back and hips.

•       Warmth should be maintained by covering both the mother and the infant with a warm blanket or garment during KMC sessions.

•       Precautions for safety: Ensure regular supervision during KMC sessions. Avoid situations that may enhance the baby's chances of falling or being hurt.

·      Precautions for safety: Ensure regular supervision during KMC sessions. Avoid situations that may enhance the baby's chances of falling or being hurt.

·        Support and education: Seek advice and assistance from healthcare experts who are familiar with KMC. They can provide you with directions, answer your questions, and handle any issues you have.

Remember that KMC is a flexible strategy that may be tailored to individual needs. When practicing Kangaroo Mother Care, it is critical to consider the baby's and mother's specific needs and situations.