A Narrative Review of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and Its Effects on and Benefits for Low Birth Weight (LBW) Babies

Abstract

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a preventative, economical method for infants with low birth weight (LBW). KMC benefits LBW infants in a number of ways. This review standpoints the effect of KMC on the weight gain of LBW neonates. KMC also improves breastfeeding rates during the hospital stay as well as at home. KMC can be provided not only by mothers but also by fathers and other adults in the family. However, it is not routinely practiced in hospitals. Short-term and long-term KMC is beneficial for survival, neurodevelopment, breastfeeding, and mother-infant bonding. Preterm infants are more likely to experience neonatal mortality and morbidity due to acute breathing problems, gastrointestinal problems, autoimmune disorders, and neurological defects as compared to full-term and normal-weight infants. A thorough literature search was conducted using key databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and related keywords. Clinical health experts also believed that implementing KMC would assist mothers in developing more solid emotional bonds with their newborns. As a result, both mothers and their newborns felt more secure, and the babies were more relaxed. KMC was also seen to support the infants' growth and development, which improved the mothers' sense of connection. It is crucial to remember that KMC works better for babies with very low birth weight (VLBW). The mother-child relationship enhances sucking-feeding, and KMC infants have higher means of growth parameters.

Determinants of Kangaroo Mother Care among low-birth-weight infants in low resource settings

“…In resource-limited countries, preterm babies have a high mortality rate, and they are at risk of a range of health problems such as, respiratory distress syndrome, infections, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and hypothermia, which leads to serious complications and in adverse situations, death [ 13 – 15 ]. In the face of the multifaceted challenges surrounding child-birth and preterm infant health, KMC practice has been proven to be effective in strengthening immunity, increase psychological function and longer-term neurodevelopment for premature/LBW babies [ 4 , 16 , 17 ]. Given the limited research on KMC in low resource settings, this study thus examined the factors influencing KMC uptake among LBW infants.…”

“…ELBW infants are typically medically fragile and more vulnerable to complications–they may therefore require specialized care, which may include respiratory, nutritional, and neurodevelopmental support and temperature regulation. These may limit the immediate initiation and practice of KMC in the early stages after birth [ 16 , 24 ].…”

“…for premature/LBW babies [4,16,17]. Given the limited research on KMC in low resource settings, this study thus examined the factors influencing KMC uptake among LBW infants.…”

Kangaroo Mother Care for Low-Birth-Weight Babies in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review

“…The WHO advocates KMC application to LBW babies, including those that need medical care such as IV fluids, medications, or oxygen, and it is seen to improve conditions in such babies [ 28 ]. KMC promotes the growth and development of LBW babies [ 20 ]. Early KMC provides tactile stimulation to babies.…”

“…The first 24 hours after birth are stressful for LBW newborns. The WHO recommends the KMC should be provided to infants weighing 2,500g or less [ 20 ]. Twenty million LBW neonates are born worldwide [ 6 ].…”