Posted: April 29th, 2018

Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Skin-to-Skin Contact among Mothers in the Postnatal Ward

Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Skin-to-Skin Contact among Mothers in the Postnatal Ward

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a method of caring for newborns, especially preterm and low-birth-weight infants, that involves continuous skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby. KMC has been shown to have many benefits for both the mother and the baby, such as improved breastfeeding, bonding, thermal regulation, growth, and survival. However, the implementation of KMC in postnatal wards is often challenging due to various barriers, such as lack of space, privacy, staff support, and maternal confidence. This blog post will discuss the effectiveness of KMC in postnatal wards and how to overcome the obstacles to its practice.

According to a systematic review by Boundy et al. (2019), KMC in postnatal wards was associated with a 36% lower risk of mortality, a 47% lower risk of sepsis or serious infection, and a 78% higher likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge or 40-41 weeks postmenstrual age compared to conventional care for preterm and low-birth-weight infants. Moreover, KMC in postnatal wards was also linked to improved maternal satisfaction, attachment, and empowerment. These findings suggest that KMC is an effective and feasible intervention that can improve the outcomes and quality of care for vulnerable newborns and their mothers.

However, despite the evidence of its effectiveness, KMC in postnatal wards is not widely practiced in many settings. Some of the common barriers that hinder its implementation are:

– Lack of space: Many postnatal wards are overcrowded and do not have enough beds or chairs for mothers to practice KMC comfortably and safely. Additionally, some wards do not have separate areas for KMC or do not allow mothers to stay with their babies after delivery.
– Lack of privacy: Some mothers may feel shy or embarrassed to practice KMC in front of other people, especially if they have to expose their breasts or abdomen. Moreover, some mothers may face cultural or social stigma or pressure from their family or community for practicing KMC.
– Lack of staff support: Some health workers may not be trained or motivated to promote and support KMC in postnatal wards. They may also have negative attitudes or beliefs about KMC or perceive it as an extra burden or responsibility. Furthermore, some health workers may not have enough time or resources to monitor and assist mothers who practice KMC.
– Lack of maternal confidence: Some mothers may not be aware of the benefits of KMC or may not understand how to practice it correctly. They may also have fears or concerns about their baby’s health or safety while practicing KMC. Additionally, some mothers may not feel comfortable or confident to practice KMC without adequate guidance or support from health workers or family members.

To overcome these barriers, some possible strategies are:

– Creating a conducive environment: Providing adequate space, privacy, and comfort for mothers to practice KMC in postnatal wards can enhance their experience and satisfaction. This can be done by allocating separate rooms or areas for KMC, providing beds or chairs with pillows or cushions, ensuring proper ventilation and lighting, and minimizing noise and disturbance.
– Educating and empowering mothers: Providing clear and consistent information and education about the benefits and methods of KMC can increase maternal knowledge and confidence. This can be done by using various media such as leaflets, posters, videos, or demonstrations, and by addressing maternal fears and concerns. Moreover, empowering mothers to make informed decisions about their baby’s care and involving them in the planning and implementation of KMC can improve their adherence and motivation.
– Training and motivating staff: Providing adequate training and supervision for health workers on the principles and practice of KMC can improve their skills and competence. This can be done by using standardized protocols or guidelines, conducting workshops or simulations, or providing feedback or mentoring. Moreover, motivating staff to promote and support KMC in postnatal wards can improve their attitudes and behavior. This can be done by creating a positive work culture, providing incentives or recognition, or facilitating teamwork or peer support.
– Engaging family and community: Involving family members and community members in the promotion and support of KMC can enhance maternal social support and acceptance. This can be done by educating them about the benefits and methods of KMC, encouraging them to participate in the care of the baby, or providing them with practical or emotional assistance.

In conclusion, KMC is an effective intervention that can improve the health and well-being of preterm and low-birth-weight infants and their mothers in postnatal wards. However, its implementation faces various challenges that need to be addressed through multifaceted strategies that involve creating a conducive environment, educating and empowering mothers, training and motivating staff, and engaging family and community.

References:

Boundy EO et al. (2019). Kangaroo mother care in postnatal wards: a systematic review
and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 144(1):e20183876.

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