Implementing Kangaroo Care in the Postpartum Period

Abstract

Unsafe positioning of the healthy newborn during kangaroo care (KC; skin-to-skin contact) can lead to negative outcomes. However KC, which is commonly done immediately after birth, does have benefits when utilized correctly during the postpartum period. Before the program, KC in the postpartum period was not routine practice, and when it was used, safe positioning techniques were inconsistently followed and were not documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). To educate staff about KC on a mother–baby unit in a community hospital. A secondary goal was to increase documentation of KC. Strong stakeholder support and interdisciplinary teamwork were necessary to implement staff education and increase documentation of KC. Documentation was built into the EMR with support from the nursing informatics team and input from the entire health care system. Education on safe positioning, benefits, and the purpose behind documentation of KC was provided during the annual, mandatory competency period. Results of this project had statistical and clinical significance. Initially, no KC was documented, and now we average 118 minutes of KC per newborn. Implementing KC in the postpartum period can be accomplished but requires a planned process change and an understanding of potential barriers and facilitators within the organization.