Kangaroo Mother Care

The use of Kangaroo Mother Care as an alternative to conventional hospital care for low birthweight infants

Introduction

Research on Kangaroo Mother Care as an alternative to conventional hospital care for low birthweight infants has shown to offer many benefits to the infant, the mother and the mother-infant relationship itself (Feucht et al.,2016). Although certain limitations exist as to the extent of the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care as an alternative, the benefits outweigh the limitations which is why Kangaroo Mother Care is a better alternative for low birthweight infants. In this essay I will be summarising the research on Kangaroo Mother Care by firstly, defining the meaning of Kangaroo Mother Care and the potential risk factors

The initial separation in conventional hospital care creates Mother-infant separation which is detrimental to the mother-infant relationship as potential relationship problems can occur as well as physiological disorders (Karimi & Begheri,2016). KMC promotes parental attachment and research has shown that it stimulates maternal lactation which leads to an increase in oxytocin levels and an increase in the volume of breastmilk produced (Feldman,2004; Tollandini & Scalembra,2006). Consequently, maternal behaviours are encouraged which plays a part in reducing levels of stress and anxiety in the mother(Feldman,2004). Furthermore, the mother feels more positively towards the infant and research has shown that the mother feels more competent in stressful situations as a parent, has increased feelings of confidence, self-esteem and feelings of empowerment (Karimi & Begheri,2016; Tessier et al.,1998). Also, research has shown that mothers partaking in KMC are more likely to breastfeed which is more beneficial for the infant in the sense that breastmilk offers necessary proteins and elements that are essential for the infant’s growth (Furman,2017; Karimi & Begheri,201; White-Traut et al.,2012). Furthermore, feeding cues are picked up which allows for better interaction between the mother

Furthermore, KMC facilitates in weight gain of the infant, facilitates in cognitive, neurodevelopment, socio-emotional and physiological growth and development and impacts the overall long-term growth and development of the positively. Additionally, KMC promotes mother-infant attachment and increases maternal lactation which has many positive effects on the mother such as reduced stress and anxiety and increased feelings of positivity. This filters into family cohesiveness which further impacts the infant positively in later life showing reduced aggression and deviant acts in young adulthood. Nonetheless, KMC has been thoroughly researched pertaining to stabilized infants with LBW so few evidence suggests that the effects of KMC will be as beneficial for destabilized infants. Furthermore, the capability of the mother in implementing KMC should also be further explored. Overall, the limitations of the effects of KMC do not suggest specifically negative effects of KMC, but implores that further exploration will provide clarity and a fuller picture of the benefits and effects of KMC. Therefore, the benefits of KMC outweigh the limitations and offer more positive benefits to both the infant and the mother suggesting increased development and growth in the infant and an overall sense of positivity of the