Kangaroo Mother Care

2085 Words9 Pages
Running head: BENEFITS OF MOTHER KANGAROO CARE Abstract Background: kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact has been widely practiced for preterm and low birth weight. The mother holds a naked infant in a vertical position against the breasts so that the infant can achieve skin-to-skin contact. Kangaroo care was first introduced in Bogotá, Columbia by Dr. Edgar Rey and Hector Martinez in 1978 as a way of compensation for the overcrowding of incubators in hospitals caring for preterm infants (Whitelaw p. 1206). They found improved outcomes in survival rates and health status. Kangaroo care is practiced in developing countries and in developed countries. Objective: To review research on kangaroo care and how it affects growth, pain tolerance, and overall wellbeing of preterm infants and low birth weight infants. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials, pretest and posttest, and comparative studies of kangaroo care. Data: Research on kangaroo care provides physiologic safety for preterm infants and increased attachment for parents. Attachment promotes nurturing behaviors that support growth and development. Conclusion: Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and cardiovascular disease at adulthood. Kangaroo mother care is an effective and safe alternative to conventional neonatal care in low birth weight infants in resource-limited countries as well as developed countries. BENEFITS OF MOTHER KANGAROO CARE Kangaroo mother care is a new concept being practiced in some hospitals. The practice ensures mother's touch, breastfeeding and bonding for the baby through direct skin-to-skin contact. Kangaroo mother care provides closeness of the newborn with mother by placing the infant in direct skin-to-skin contact with her. KC includes any activities the mother provides while
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