“Humanizing the practice of neonatology, promoting breastfeeding and shortened hospital stays without compromising survival [KMC]”
KMC definition
When a baby is held in skin-to-skin contact [chest to chest] with his or her mother. Developed for use with preterm and low birth weight babies but beneficial for all babies and mothers.
Skin-to-skin contact definition
The baby is naked, except for a napkin and possibly a warm hat, and is nestled against the mother’s naked chest, between her breasts, in an upright position.
History
First developed by Doctors Rey and Martinez in Bogota, Colombia. Used in response to, and as an alternative to, inadequate incubator care for stable preterm babies. KMC was noted to be beneficial for thermal control and mother-baby attachment with added breastfeeding advantages.
Requirements for KMC
• A mother [or surrogate if the mother is unavailable].
• A comfortable reclining chair if possible.
• A carrying sling, as an option, for well, stable babies.
• A blanket to cover the baby’s back.
• A supportive environment.
Benefits of KMC
• Kangaroo Mother Care returns the baby back to the maternal environment.
• Thermoregulation.
• Mother-baby attachment.
• Enhanced lactation and breastfeeding benefits.
• Enhanced immunological protection.
• Provides a buffer against over-stimulation and supports arousal regulation and stress reactivity
• Increases maternal confidence, competence, responsiveness and connectedness. Reduces maternal stress. Empowers mothers.
What mothers/parents need to know about KMC
• That KMC is safe
• That KMC is beneficial
• That the baby will stay warm
• Stable heart rate/respiratory rate and increased oxygenation levels in the baby
• Specific immunological protection
• Breastfeeding/milk supply benefits
Source: RHPU/BAR