Assessing Barriers to Implement Birth Kangaroo Care in Kentucky Birthing Hospitals

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Lactation Support

Background:

• Kentucky faces persistently low breastfeeding rates.
• In 2014, Kentucky birthing hospitals adopted Birth Kangaroo Care (BKC) to boost breastfeeding initiation.
• This study aimed to assess BKC practices and identify implementation barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current Birth Kangaroo Care (BKC) practices in Kentucky birthing hospitals.
• To identify barriers hindering the effective implementation of BKC.
• To assess the impact of BKC on breastfeeding initiation rates.

Main Methods:

• An evaluation and surveillance study design was employed.
• An internet survey was utilized to gather data on BKC practices and policies.
• The study focused on birthing hospitals within Kentucky.

Main Results:

• The survey achieved a 54% response rate (n=25 hospitals).
• 84% of responding hospitals established a BKC policy post-intervention.
• Key barriers identified were family interruptions and medical evaluation delays during BKC.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of BKC policies in Kentucky birthing hospitals led to a statistically significant increase in "ever breastfed" infants (p=.02).
• Addressing identified barriers is crucial for maximizing BKC effectiveness and further improving breastfeeding rates.