KANGAROO MOTHER CARE / FAMILY PARTICIPATORY PROGRAM

It has been observed that post-discharge from SNCUs within State; the mortality rate in the first few months is alarmingly high. One the reason is parents’ ignorance in taking care of their wards at home after discharge, and their reluctance to report back to the nearest SNCU for the sickness of the neonate.

Keeping in view the above facts Family Participatory care introduction/ Kangaroo Mother Care has been established in all the SNCUs.

Benefits : 

Kangaroo care is beneficial for parents because it promotes attachment and bonding, improves parental confidence, and helps to promote increased milk production and breastfeeding success. A recent study found that the psychological benefits of kangaroo care for parents of preterm infants are fairly extensive.

Kangaroo Mother Care has 3 parts:

Skin-to-skin contact :

The more skin-to-skin contact between the baby’s front and the mother’s chest, the better. For comfort a small nappy is fine, and for warmth, a cap may be used. Skin-to-skin contact should ideally start at birth, but is helpful at any time. It should ideally be continuous day and night, but even shorter periods are still helpful.

Exclusive breastfeeding:

Direct suckling by the baby from the breasts is all that is needed for most mothers and babies. For very premature babies, expressing milk and the addition of some essential nutrients may be needed.

Emotional Support:

Whatever is needed for the medical, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of mother and baby is provided to them, without separating them. This might mean adding ultramodern equipment if available, or purely intense psychological support in contexts with no resources. It can even mean going home very early.