What is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a simple and effective method of caring for low birth weight babies. It involves early and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby along with exclusive and frequent breastfeeding. KMC is a low-cost, evidence-based intervention that can prevent up to half of all deaths in babies weighing less than 2000 grams. The World Health Organization recommends KMC as a standard care practice for low birth weight infants.

Components of Kangaroo Mother Care

KMC has three important components:

• Proper handwashing and hygiene to prevent infections.
• Continuous skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby.
• Exclusive breastfeeding for proper nutrition and immunity.

Origin of the Term Kangaroo

The name Kangaroo Mother Care comes from the kangaroo animal found in Australia. A baby kangaroo is born very premature and stays in the pouch of its mother where it receives warmth and nourishment until it becomes strong enough to survive outside. Similarly, in KMC the baby stays close to the mother's body for warmth and protection.

Procedure of KMC

KMC should be started for babies weighing less than 2500 grams as early as possible after the baby is stabilized. The baby is placed in an upright skin-to-skin position between the mother’s breasts and covered securely to maintain warmth and comfort.

Duration of KMC

• Each KMC session should last at least 1 hour.
• Breastfeeding should continue every 2–3 hours.
• Mother can sit, stand, walk or even sleep in a semi-reclined position while carrying the baby.
• Short: 4 hours daily
• Extended: 5–8 hours daily
• Long: 9–12 hours daily
• Continuous: More than 12 hours daily

Benefits for the Baby

• Decreased mortality
• Reduced hypothermia
• Improved physiological stability
• Reduced crying and apnea
• Lower hospital infections
• Better sleep and growth
• Improved breastfeeding

Benefits for the Mother

• Increased confidence and satisfaction
• Better bonding with baby
• Improved milk production
• Lower stress and postpartum depression
• Early hospital discharge

Preparation for KMC Provider

• The provider should be healthy and willing.
• Maintain hygiene including hand washing and clean clothes.
• Remove jewellery and watches.
• Keep nails trimmed and hair tied.
• Wear a comfortable front-open loose dress.

How to Provide KMC

• Dress the baby with diaper, cap and socks.
• Place the baby between the mother’s breasts in skin-to-skin contact.
• Keep the baby upright to prevent aspiration.
• Turn the baby’s head slightly to one side.
• Keep hips in frog position and arms flexed.

Don'ts of KMC

• Do not bathe the baby until weight reaches 2500 grams.
• Avoid frequent handling.
• Do not give bottle feeding.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

When to Stop KMC

KMC can usually be discontinued when the baby reaches around 2500 grams or full-term age. At this stage, the baby becomes more active, starts moving limbs out of the kangaroo position and shows signs of discomfort when placed in the position.