Advancing Neonatal Care: The Importance of Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm Infants
Dear Editor, In the delicate landscape of neonatal care, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a nurturing embrace that transcends medical interventions. KMC, characterized by prolonged skinto-skin contact between a premature infant and its caregiver, embodies the ess...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lnh.edu.pk/lnjpc/pdf/245992d7-8875-4901-bdfd-425b6b20eb56.pdf |
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| Summary: | Dear Editor,
In the delicate landscape of neonatal care, Kangaroo
Mother Care (KMC) emerges as a beacon of hope,
offering a nurturing embrace that transcends medical
interventions. KMC, characterized by prolonged skinto-skin contact between a premature infant and its
caregiver, embodies the essence of compassionate
care and holistic healing. With a foundation rooted in
maternal instinct and scientific evidence, KMC stands
as a testament to the transformative power of human
touch in the earliest stages of life. The benefits of KMC
extend far beyond mere physical warmth. Research has
shown that this practice helps regulate the infant’s body
temperature, stabilizes vital signs, and promotes weight
gain [1]. By mimicking the natural environment of the
womb, KMC creates a conducive atmosphere for the
infant’s growth and development, fostering a sense of
security and comfort unmatched by traditional incubator
settings [2]. Moreover, KMC facilitates the initiation
and maintenance of breastfeeding, a cornerstone of
neonatal nutrition and immunity. The proximity between
mother and infant stimulates the release of oxytocin,
the hormone responsible for milk production, ensuring
a steady supply of nourishment for the growing baby
[3]. This early establishment of breastfeeding not only
provides essential nutrients but also confers immunity
against infections, laying a strong foundation for the
infant’s health in the critical early months of life. Beyond
its physiological benefits; KMC facilitates a deep
emotional bond between mother and child, nurturing a
connection that transcends words. The intimate skin-toskin contact promotes maternal-infant bonding, instilling
a sense of security and trust in both parties [4]. This
emotional connection has far-reaching implications,
influencing the infant’s social and emotional development
in later life [5]. The efficacy of KMC is further supported
by a wealth of scientific evidence, including systematic
reviews and meta-analyses. These studies consistently
demonstrate the superiority of KMC over conventional
care in reducing mortality, infections, and hospital
stays among preterm infants [6, 7]. Moreover, KMC
has been shown to yield cost savings for healthcare
systems, alleviating the financial burden associated with
prolonged hospitalization and invasive interventions. Despite its proven benefits, the widespread adoption of
KMC faces challenges on multiple fronts. Cultural beliefs,
healthcare provider awareness, and facility constraints
pose significant barriers to implementation. Addressing
these challenges requires a multifaceted approach,
involving policy reforms, healthcare provider training,
and community engagement initiatives. By investing in
KMC implementation and scaling up its adoption, we can
aspire to improve outcomes for preterm infants, mitigate
neonatal mortality rates, and foster healthier beginnings
for our youngest and most vulnerable population. |
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| ISSN: | 2707-3521 2708-9134 |