Why is Kangaroo Mother Care given?

Kangaroo mother care is a newborn care technique wherein a diapered infant is exposed to skin-to-skin contact with either of his/her parents. This technique aids in the improvement of newborn baby’s deteriorating health and is known to alleviate life-threatening neonatal diseases during first 28 days of birth. Other than ill babies, low-birth weight babies and preemies are also kept in kangaroo care.

Owing to the numerous benefits of this technique, it is highly recommended by neonatologists. The baby is placed on the mother’s chest between her breasts in an upright position. Apart from advantages to the baby, KMC facilitates development of close bond between the mother and her child.

Need of Kangaroo Mother Care

* Preemies— A preterm baby’s health is a matter of concern for most parents. Kangaroo care ascertains that a pre-term baby has normal physical and mental development like other normal infants. Preemies, who receive kangaroo mother care, are free from persistent colic attacks. Moreover, there is a considerable increase in their weight. KMC improves their respiration process and heart rate. This newborn baby care technique facilitates exclusive breastfeeding, which is essential for a healthy baby.

* LBW Babies—Low-birth weights babies have developmental issues and are most benefitted by . The weight gain in infants, who receive kangaroo care, is rapid compared with normal babies. During KMC, a baby almost gains 15/20 gms per kangaroo care session.

* Colic Babies—Babies, who have persistent and prolonged bouts of crying without any reason, are troublesome to handle. Such babies can be relieved by the warmth and exclusive breastfeeding of KMC. Colic babies are unable to switch between alert state to sleeping state and vice versa. KMC makes this transition easier for such babies. The baby feels relaxed and at ease. Crying stops immediately and relieves the baby from body pain and stress, if there is any.

* Improves Respiration and increases Heart Beat— preemies and LBW babies usually have respiratory problems. Moreover, their heart rate is slow than the normal infants. Kangaroo mother care is a better technique to improve respiration and make heart rate normal than putting a newborn baby on conventional caring techniques. The warmth provided by the close proximity to an adult helps to balance the baby’s body temperature, keep him warm and significantly improve his breathing. Respiration improves because kangaroo mother care increases a baby’s demand for oxygen.