Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a cost-effective, evidence-based method of caring for low birth weight (LBW) and preterm newborns, especially suitable for low-resource settings like many parts of India. It involves skin-to-skin contact between the mother (or caregiver) and the infant, along with exclusive breastfeeding.
Eligibility Criteria for Initiation of KMC
KMC can be initiated once the baby meets certain clinical and maternal criteria. These are as follows:
A. Baby-Related Criteria
- Birth Weight
- Babies with birth weight less than 2,500 grams are eligible.
- Priority is given to:
- Babies weighing less than 2,000 grams
- Stable preterm infants (born before 37 weeks gestation)
- Clinical Stability
The baby should:- Be breathing normally (no signs of severe respiratory distress)
- Have stable heart rate and oxygen saturation
- Be tolerating feeds well (preferably breastfeeding or spoon-feeding expressed breast milk)
- Have no signs of severe infection or other serious illness requiring intensive care
- Thermal Stability
- Baby should be able to maintain body temperature with minimal external support.
- KMC helps in preventing hypothermia, especially in low birth weight babies.
B. Mother-Related (or Caregiver) Criteria
- Willingness and Consent
- The mother (or alternate caregiver like father or grandmother) must be willing and motivated to participate in KMC.
- Physical and Mental Fitness
- Mother should be physically healthy, conscious, and able to sit/lie down for long periods.
- She should be free from severe illness or infections that could affect the baby.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness
- Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent infection.
- Clean clothes and frequent hand washing are recommended.
C. Facility Readiness Criteria (if done in hospital)
- Designated KMC Space
- A quiet, warm, and private space is ideal for facility-based KMC.
- Beds or reclining chairs for mothers are essential.
- Trained Healthcare Staff
- Nurses and doctors must be trained to guide, monitor, and support KMC practices.
- Monitoring Equipment
- Weighing scale, thermometers, and tools for checking respiration and feeding adequacy.
D. Duration and Continuation of KMC
- KMC should be started as early as possible after the baby is clinically stable.
- It should be practiced for minimum 6–8 hours daily, and continued at home until:
- The baby gains sufficient weight (at least 2,500 grams)
- The baby can maintain temperature without KMC
- The baby is exclusively breastfeeding and growing well
Additional Considerations (Indian Context)
- KMC can be given by mother, father, grandmother, or any responsible family member.
- In rural or tribal areas where NICU care is limited, KMC is life-saving and low-cost.
- KMC is actively promoted under:
- Facility-Based Newborn Care (FBNC)
- Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC)
- National Health Mission (NHM)
Conclusion
KMC is a simple, safe, and effective method for the care of low birth weight babies in both hospital and home settings. Meeting the above criteria ensures the safe initiation and continuation of KMC, ultimately improving survival, growth, and bonding in vulnerable newborns.