Kangaroo care at birth for full term infants: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Maternal-infant bonding
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Kangaroo care, a method of skin-to-skin contact, is known for its benefits in stabilizing premature infants.
• Its application in healthy, full-term neonates immediately after birth requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of immediate, birth-associated kangaroo care on breastfeeding behaviors.
• To evaluate the influence of kangaroo care on infant skin temperature and blood glucose levels.
• To determine the feasibility of integrating kangaroo care into routine delivery room practices.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study involving nine full-term neonates receiving kangaroo care from within one minute of birth.
• Monitoring of infant skin temperature and blood glucose levels at specified intervals post-birth.
• Observation of infant breastfeeding behaviors, including crawling and latching, during the first feeding session.

Main Results:

• Eight out of nine infants experienced a rise in skin temperature during kangaroo care, with all maintaining a neutral thermal zone.
• Infant blood glucose levels remained within acceptable ranges.
• Most infants spontaneously initiated crawling and breastfeeding within 74 minutes of birth.
• Mothers reported reduced discomfort during perineal repair due to distraction by kangaroo care.

Conclusions:

• Birth kangaroo care is a viable intervention that supports infant thermoregulation and breastfeeding initiation.
• The practice can be seamlessly integrated into standard delivery room procedures without increasing nursing workload.
• Positive observations of infant latching and breastfeeding, along with maternal comfort, support its continued use.