Kangaroo Mother Care: Using Appropriate Technology for the Care of Premature and Low Birth Weight Infants - A review

Abstract

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) was developed in 1978 in Colombia by the duo of Rey and Martinez in order to cope with the overcrowding, recurrent nosocomial infections and scarcity of resources in hospitals caring for low birth weight (LBW) infants. Currently, this method of care consists of three components: (a) Kangaroo position (skin-to-skin contact between a mother's bare breast and her nearly naked infant – except for a diaper, and woollen cap) which provides adequate warmth for the infant; (b) Kangaroo nutrition (exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding) and (c) Kangaroo discharge policies (early discharge in Kangaroo position irrespective of weight or gestational age) with strict follow-up. In some settings, a fourth component namely, Kangaroo support, has been introduced. This describes the physical and emotional support given to mothers and their families when KMC is practised. Numerous studies both in developed and developing countries exist that highlight the practice of KMC in diverse settings, its benefits and limitations. KMC offers an appropriate technology for developing countries as well as the benefits of safety, in terms of physiologic response. In addition, the practice of KMC increases the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, reduces hospital readmissions with shorter periods of hospitalisation. There is also reduced mortality among these patients. The previous recommendation was that KMC should be practised for preterm/LBW infants who are already stabilised, but there is now data to suggest that KMC itself helps stabilise preterm infants within the first six hours of life. This paper reviews the components, benefits, limitations and possibility of the practice of KMC in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 30(3) 2003:71-77