Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): A NICU Protocol

Abstract

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a special way of caring low birth weight babies by the three major components which are skin-toskin contact, exclusive breastfeeding and early discharge. It promotes the health of both the mother and the baby. It is not only benefited to babies but also to the mothers, family & nation. It creates a bonding between mother and infant. All the babies are eligible for KMC, however very sick babies are put under radiant warmer before initiation of KMC for a few days. The infant should be placed in between the mothers’ breasts in a frog like position. KMC can be discontinued when the babies weight gain is at least 15-20 g/kg/day. The mother can continue KMC even at home.