Role of Kangaroo Mother Care in Preterm Infants

Abstract

Preterm birth remains a significant global health concern, contributing substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a low-cost and effective intervention involving prolonged skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant, has emerged as a transformative approach in neonatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings. This paper explores the role of KMC in improving clinical, physiological, psychological, and developmental outcomes in preterm infants. It highlights how KMC enhances thermoregulation, promotes breastfeeding, improves weight gain, reduces infections, and strengthens maternal-infant bonding. Additionally, the paper examines its impact on neurodevelopment and parental well-being. Drawing from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the study emphasizes that KMC significantly reduces neonatal mortality and improves long-term developmental outcomes. Despite its proven benefits, barriers to implementation still exist, including lack of awareness, infrastructural challenges, and cultural constraints. This paper concludes that KMC is an essential component of neonatal care and recommends its widespread adoption in both hospital and community settings.

KEYWORDS: Kangaroo Mother Care, Preterm Infants, Neonatal Care, Skin to-Skin Contact, Low Birth Weight, Breastfeeding, Infant Development 

Preterm birth remains a significant global health concern, contributing substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a low-cost and effective intervention involving prolonged skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant, has emerged as a transformative approach in neonatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings. This paper explores the role of KMC in improving clinical, physiological, psychological, and developmental outcomes in preterm infants. It highlights how KMC enhances thermoregulation, promotes breastfeeding, improves weight gain, reduces infections, and strengthens maternal-infant bonding. Additionally, the paper examines its impact on neurodevelopment and parental well-being. Drawing from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the study emphasizes that KMC significantly reduces neonatal mortality and improves long-term developmental outcomes. Despite its proven benefits, barriers to implementation still exist, including lack of awareness, infrastructural challenges, and cultural constraints. This paper concludes that KMC is an essential component of neonatal care and recommends its widespread adoption in both hospital and community settings.

KEYWORDS:Kangaroo Mother Care, Preterm Infants, Neonatal Care, Skin-to-Skin Contact, Low Birth Weight, Breastfeeding, Infant Development