By Ms Dharini S, Pediatric Physiotherapist, Chennai
Kangaroo mother care or KMC is a simple method that gives babies, especially preterm and low birth weight babies, the love, support and connection that is needed. It is skin-to-skin contact between the baby and the mother, who can be the baby’s human incubator. Just like how a kangaroo carries its young one in a pouch, this helps regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate and breathing.
Importance
- Improved preterm baby survival rates
- Strengthening the bond between the baby and the mother/father
- Reduces hospital stay
- Helps in weight gain and encourages breastfeeding
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), KMC helps in reducing mortality by 40% among hospitalized infants with a birth weight less than 2kg if initiated early. Any parent or caregiver can give this to babies for their early recovery.
