A study to determine the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on Physiological Parameters of Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants admitted at National Medical College, Birgunj
Keywords:
Kangaroo mother care, Low birth weight, Neonates, Physiological parameters, Skin-to-skin contact, Weight gainAbstract
INTRODUCTION
Low birth weight (LBW) infants are the high risk conditions with the association of hypothermia, respiratory instability, bradycardia or tachycardia, poor weight gain which directly relates with the low health status. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) care is the skin to skin contact between mother and child promoting attachment, bonding breastfeeding which is cost-effective, accessible and non-invasive method benefiting the regulation of physiological parameters in infants. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of KMC on stabilizing major physiological parameters of LBW infants admitted at National Medical College, Birgunj.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A descriptive pre–post interventional study was conducted on 150 medically stable LBW infants eligible for KMC. Infants received 1–2 hours of KMC per session in a designated mother-infant KMC corner under trained supervision. Physiological parameters including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and weight were recorded immediately before and after KMC. Data were analyzed descriptively to determine the proportion of infants showing improvement, no change, or deterioration in each parameter.
RESULTS
KMC led to substantial improvement across all physiological parameters. Improve in temperature was seen in 88% of infants, heart rate in 82%, respiratory rate in 78%, oxygen saturation in 94%, and weight in 100% infants. No deterioration was observed in any parameters. The intervention promoted thermoregulation, cardio-respiratory stability, and weight gain, highlighting the holistic benefits of KMC for LBW infants.
CONCLUSION
Kangaroo Mother Care is a safe, effective, and feasible method for improving physiological stability in LBW infants. Its routine implementation in neonatal care can enhance growth, reduce morbidity, and support optimal neonatal outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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