Abstract

Kangaroo Mother Care [KMC] is a way of caring for the low-birth-weight infants. The method involves infants being carried in a prolonged manner through skin-to-skin contact provided by the mother. The main aim of the study was to explore the experience of third year degree nursing students regarding Kangaroo Mother Care at public hospital in Khomas region Namibia. The researcher used qualitative descriptive study in order to understand the phenomenon. In-depth interviews one on-one engagement with individual participants was used, using an interview guideline by asking open and close ended questions. Data analysis was done, through data that was transcribed from recordings and coding into themes dictated by interview questions. The population depends on data saturation. The results reveal that there are a variety benefits from Kangaroo Mother Care for both the mother and the baby such as increase milk production, strengthen the bond between the mother and the baby, increase the baby’s birth weight, heart rate and body temperature, it also shortens the days of hospital stay. Most students suggest that fathers need to take part in the Kangaroo mother care process so they can also bond with their baby while it’s early.

Keywords:Nursing students; Kangaroo mother care; State hospitals