Objectives: Low birth weight (BW<2500 g), which is often associated with preterm birth, is a common problem in India. Both are recognized risk factors for neonatal mortality. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a non-conventional, low-cost method for newborn care based upon intimate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Our objective was to assess the effect of provision of adequate KMC to the SGA and AGA neonates and perform a comparative study of its effectiveness in both groups.

Materials and Methods: In a prospective hospital based study, during the period of 6months, from 1st January 2019 to 31st June 2019, 4186 consecutively delivered live newborns were studied for the incidence of low birth weight neonates and prematurity and to comparatively evaluate the potential of Kangaroo Mather Care (KMC) on growth parameters for low birth weight (LBW) neonates, which were divided into two study groups of AGA (Appropriate for Gestational Age) and SGA (Small for Gestational Age).

Results: Data from 282 mother-baby pairs were analysed. Improvements occurred in all 4 physiological parameters during the KMC sessions. Mean temperature rose by about 0.4°C, RR by 3/minute, HR by 5-bpm, and SpO₂ by 5% following KMC sessions. Although modest, these changes were statistically significant. Individual abnormalities (e.g. hypothermia, bradycardia, tachycardia, low SpO₂) were often corrected during the KMC sessions.

Conclusions: Babies receiving KMC showed statistically significant improvement in vital physiological parameters. Thus, without using special equipment, the KMC strategy can offer improved care to LBW babies. These findings support wider implementation of this strategy.

Keywords: India, kangaroo mother care, low birth weight, newborn, physiological parameter, preterm.

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Dr Priyanka Mistry

Resident Doctor, BJMC Paediatrics