Abstract
Introduction: Hypothermia and infections are frequently factors for poor outcome of premature /LBW babies. Methods: A one year randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 neonates born and admitted in NICU, department of paediatrics, NRI medical college, Guntur. Mothers with LBW infants were enrolled after taking informed consent. Babies were randomised into KMC group and CMC group with 30 babies in each group. In both groups, physiological stability, growth, promotion of breast feeding, bonding and confidence of mothers in taking care of their LBW babies were assessed. Both groups were followed till they reached 2.5 kg on scheduled visits. Results: In the present study, it was observed that all babies of KMC maintained temperature in normal range. 36.5 to 37.5 compared to 86.6% of control babies. The mean weight gain (15.73 gm in KMC versus 11.63 gm in CMC, P< 0.0001 ) and mean head circumference at 2.5 kg, ( 34.440.5+4 cm in KMC VS 33.220+54 cm 33.221.0+5 cm in CMC), p< 0.0001 were significantly higher in KMC group. There was no significant difference in mean length between both the groups. The confidence level of mothers in caring for their LBW infants was significantly higher in KMC group p< 0.0001. Conclusion: KMC is a cost effective, safe, most acceptable method of caring for LBW babies.
Highlights
Hypothermia and infections are frequently factors for poor outcome of premature /LBW babies
kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an effective way to meet baby’s need for warmth, growth, well being, breast feeding, and protection from infection, stimulation, safety and love [7]. Through this randomised control trial, the effect of KMC on temperature regulation, promotion of growth, exclusive breast feeding, bonding and confidence of mothers caring for low birth weight babies was studied in total of 60 babies- 30 in KMC group and 30 in conventional method of care (CMC) group
Temperature regulation was more stable in KMC group unlike in CMC group, with three cases of hyperthermia and one case of cold stress
Summary
Hypothermia and infections are frequently factors for poor outcome of premature /LBW babies. Babies were randomised into KMC group and CMC group with 30 babies in each group. In both groups, physiological stability, growth, promotion of breast feeding, bonding and confidence of mothers in taking care of their LBW babies were assessed. Physiological stability, growth, promotion of breast feeding, bonding and confidence of mothers in taking care of their LBW babies were assessed Both groups were followed till they reached 2.5 kg on scheduled visits. The confidence level of mothers in caring for their LBW infants was significantly higher in KMC group p< 0.0001. KMC is an effective way to meet LBW baby’s need for warmth growth and well being, breast feeding, protection from infection, stimulation, safety and love
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