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Published on: September 22, 2023
The maternal experience of kangaroo holding
1School of Nursing at University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. ajohnson@udel.edu
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|November 2, 2007
Summary
Kangaroo holding in the neonatal intensive care unit enhances maternal confidence and attachment behaviors in mothers of premature infants. This practice fosters feelings of being needed and comfortable, regardless of the infant's health status.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Maternal-infant bonding
- Pediatric nursing
Background:
- Premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) require specialized care.
- Maternal involvement is crucial for infant development and maternal well-being.
- Kangaroo holding is a recognized method for promoting infant development and maternal-infant bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the maternal experience of kangaroo holding premature infants.
- To explore the impact of kangaroo holding on maternal confidence and attachment behaviors.
- To understand maternal responses within the NICU environment.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative, naturalistic inquiry using open-ended interviews.
- Observations of 18 mothers during kangaroo holding sessions in a Level III NICU.
- Data triangulation including interviews, observations, and demographic information.
Main Results:
- Kangaroo holding improved maternal confidence in caring for premature infants.
- Mothers reported feeling "needed" and "comfortable" during kangaroo holding.
- Maternal behaviors and interactions were positively influenced by the kangaroo holding experience.
Conclusions:
- Kangaroo holding positively impacts maternal experiences and responses in the NICU.
- The practice enhances maternal attachment behaviors.
- Understanding these maternal experiences is vital for optimizing NICU care.
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