Kangaroo Mother Care
A Mother’s
Healing Touch
96% of the world’s
premature babies are
born in developing
countries.
Often, premature babies are born too small. A low-birth weight usually signifies high risk and the need for special care.
96% of the world’s premature babies are born in developing countries.
Often, premature babies are born too small. A low-birth weight usually signifies high risk and the need for special care.
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a safe and affordable approach for low birth weight babies.
Higher breastfeeding rates
Faster weight gain
SHORTER HOSPITAL STAYS
Higher breastfeeding rates
Faster weight gain
SHORTER HOSPITAL STAYS
How it
works
Premature babies often require initial intensive care. After the need for acute care is over, these babies can be managed in KMC wards.
KMC is a proven low cost intervention for the care of low birth weight babies.
Once the baby is clinically stable, the mother can do skin-to-skin care by keeping the baby on her chest. The mother can continue to practice skin-to-skin while continuing her routine — eating, sleeping, meeting people, etc.
The baby stays as warm as they would in an incubator. They tend to be more physiologically stable, bond better with the mother, have fewer serious infections, and breastfeed better and longer.
In most cases, the baby puts on weight faster and can go home much sooner. The mother is less anxious and is empowered to take care of her baby under expert supervision.
The mother’s chest has the ability to adjust to the needs of the baby’s temperature.
KMC at Fernandez
The KMC wards at Fernandez result in greater capacity to care for high-risk, low birth weight infants. Intensive care is provided for babies who need medical attention. Physiologically stable infants can be cared for with KMC, through skin-to-skin contact with the Mother.
KMC wards at all our NICUs
KMC at Fernandez
KMC wards at all our NICUs
The KMC wards at Fernandez result in greater capacity to care for high-risk, low birth weight infants. Intensive care is provided for babies who need medical attention. Physiologically stable infants can be cared for with KMC, through skin-to-skin contact with the Mother.
“In affluence, KMC is a useful addition to infant care. In financial constraints, it is a precious gift. In poverty, it may be the only means of survival.”
– Prof. Atties Malan