Kangaroo Mother Care Explained: Benefits, Techniques, and How Parents Can Help

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a simple yet highly effective method of caring for preterm and low birth weight infants. It involves skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and a parent, usually the mother, providing warmth, comfort, and nourishment. KMC has been extensively researched and is now recognized as a gold standard for newborn care.

Origins of Kangaroo Mother Care

KMC was first developed in 1978 in Bogotá, Colombia, by Dr. Edgar Rey Sanabria and Dr. Hector Martinez as an alternative to conventional incubator care for premature babies. At that time, hospitals in Colombia faced a shortage of incubators, leading to high newborn mortality rates. To address this crisis, doctors observed that babies who remained in close contact with their mothers fared better than those placed in incubators. Inspired by the kangaroo’s natural method of carrying its young in a pouch, they introduced skin-to-skin care as a way to regulate the infant’s body temperature, encourage breastfeeding, and improve survival rates.

Over the years, multiple studies have reinforced the effectiveness of KMC, leading to its widespread adoption worldwide.

Why Preterm Babies Need Kangaroo Mother Care

Preterm babies and low birth weight babies (weighing less than 2.5 kg) face several challenges that make them vulnerable to complications, including:

1. Difficulty Regulating Body Temperature – Premature babies lack sufficient fat stores, making them prone to hypothermia. KMC helps keep them warm through direct skin-to-skin contact.

2. Immature Organ Development – The lungs, digestive system, and immune system of preterm infants are underdeveloped, making them susceptible to respiratory distress, infections, and feeding difficulties.

3. Poor Weight Gain – Preterm infants often struggle with breastfeeding and digestion, leading to slow weight gain and developmental delays.

4. Higher Risk of Infections – Their weakened immune system increases the risk of sepsis and other infections.

5. KMC helps stabilize the baby’s breathing rate by promoting synchronous chest movements with the mother. It reduces the risk of apnea (pauses in breathing), a common problem in preterm infants.

6. The comfort and warmth provided by KMC reduce stress and crying, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and promoting calmness in the baby.

7. Skin-to-skin contact leads to a more regular and stronger heartbeat, ensuring proper circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Babies in KMC show fewer heart rate fluctuations, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

8. Improved Oxygenation: Studies show that babies receiving KMC have higher oxygen saturation levels, reducing the need for respiratory support. It lowers the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, a severe condition in preterm babies.

KMC addresses these challenges by promoting physiological stability, improved feeding, and better immune function, significantly increasing the chances of survival and healthy development.

How Kangaroo Mother Care Is Done

KMC involves three main components:

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact

o   The baby is placed upright against the mother’s bare chest in between her breasts.

o   A cloth wrap or sling secures the baby, allowing for continuous warmth and bonding.

o   Ideally, KMC should be practiced for at least 8-12 hours per day and can be gradually increased based on the baby’s tolerance.

2. Exclusive Breastfeeding

o   KMC encourages frequent and direct breastfeeding, which is crucial for preterm infants who need antibodies and nutrients from breast milk.

o   For babies unable to breastfeed, expressed breast milk can be given through a cup or tube feeding.

How Fathers Can Help with Kangaroo Mother Care

Although KMC is traditionally associated with mothers, fathers play an essential role in providing skin-to-skin care and emotional support. Their involvement offers several advantages:

1. Emotional Bonding – Fathers who participate in KMC develop a deeper emotional connection with their newborns, strengthening paternal attachment.

2. Support for the Mother – Many mothers experience exhaustion after childbirth. Fathers can take turns practicing KMC, allowing the mother to rest and recover.

3. Stress Reduction for the Baby – Studies show that babies who receive skin-to-skin contact from both parents exhibit lower stress levels and improved weight gain.

4. Improved Parental Confidence – Engaging in KMC empowers fathers, making them more confident and involved in the newborn care journey.

Long-Term Benefits of KMC

Beyond immediate survival, KMC has long-term developmental benefits:

• Better Weight Gain and Growth – Infants practicing KMC show faster weight gain, better muscle tone, and improved neurodevelopment.

• Enhanced Cognitive Function – Studies indicate that KMC babies have higher IQ scores and improved attention spans later in childhood.

• Stronger Emotional Well-being – KMC promotes secure attachment, reducing the risk of emotional and behavioral issues.

• Reduced Hospital Readmission Rates – Babies who receive KMC are less likely to be rehospitalized due to infections or growth concerns.

At Orya Care, we strongly advocate for skin-to-skin contact as a fundamental part of postpartum recovery and newborn care. We integrate Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) into our holistic approach, encouraging mothers to hold their newborns against their bare chest immediately after birth and throughout the postpartum period. This practice enhances bonding, regulates the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and promotes successful breastfeeding by stimulating natural instincts. Our team of lactation consultants and postpartum specialists provide hands-on guidance, ensuring mothers and even fathers feel confident in practicing skin-to-skin care. Fathers are encouraged to participate, fostering early attachment and emotional security for the baby. For preterm or low-birth-weight infants, we emphasize extended skin-to-skin sessions to support optimal growth and development. At Orya Care, we create a nurturing environment where families can experience the profound benefits of this age-old yet scientifically proven practice.