Presentation Information

Kangaroo Mother Care: A Game Changer for Low Birth Weight Infants

• Speaker: Suman Rao , PN, MD, DM
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits:

Abstract:

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an innovative approach that has gained recognition for its remarkable benefits in promoting the health and well-being of premature infants. KMC is a simple act of keeping the baby continuously between the mother’s breasts in skin-to-skin contact for prolonged periods and feeding with only mother’s breastmilk. KMC is the most important high-impact intervention for the preterm and/or LBW baby which is recognized worldwide, not only for better survival but also for better neurodevelopmental outcomes. It has numerous benefits not only for the baby but also for the mother. From regulating temperature and stabilizing physiological functions to promoting emotional bonding and breastfeeding success, KMC addresses a wide spectrum of needs in a holistic manner.
By emphasizing the importance of skin-to-skin contact and early parent-infant bonding, KMC paves the way for healthier growth, improved neurodevelopment, and enhanced overall well-being. KMC should be started immediately after birth irrespective of the stability of the baby. It can be provided for babies on respiratory support and IV fluids. While the mother is the best KMC provider, other family members can support the mother to provide KMC for almost 24 hours / day. Achieving high KMC coverage requires a close collaboration between pediatricians, obstetricians and nursing staff. Comfort, counselling and support of the mother is essential for KMC success. Mother-Newborn ICU is the new paradigm shift in neonatal care to promote the concept of immediate and prolonged KMC and zero separation