A Literature Review on Early Kangaroo Mother Care: Historical Roots, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Integration,...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Public health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Kangaroo mother care (KMC), encompassing skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and exclusive breastfeeding, is a proven, cost-effective intervention.
• It is vital for enhancing the health and survival rates of preterm and low-birth-weight (LBW) infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and implementation of early KMC.
• To identify barriers to widespread KMC adoption and propose solutions.
• To advocate for KMC as a standard in newborn care globally.

Main Methods:

• This study is a comprehensive review of existing literature and global experiences with KMC implementation.
• It analyzes data from countries that have successfully scaled up early KMC programs.

Main Results:

• Early KMC offers significant benefits, including improved thermoregulation, enhanced breastfeeding, stronger parent-infant bonding, and reduced mortality.
• Key barriers include insufficient awareness, inadequate healthcare staff training, cultural resistance, and poor infrastructure.

Conclusions:

• Supportive policies, parental education, and continuous healthcare provider training are essential to overcome KMC implementation challenges.
• Expanding KMC programs requires practical models and strategies for both hospital and community settings.
• Achieving universal access to early KMC is critical for improving newborn survival and meeting global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals.