Abstract

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a method of care of preterm and low birth weight infants. The method involves infants being carried, usually by the mother, with skin-to-skin contact. Objectives: We evaluated the hypothesis that KMC could have beneficial effects on breast milk (BM) production, neonatal neurological development and onset of ROP. We also evaluated the type of lactation during and after hospitalization and the duration of admission in the two groups.

Methods: Our sample was made of 46 mothers of 46 preterm newborns (gestational age < 34 weeks, birth weight < 1500g) admitted at our NICU. They were divided into 2 groups: Group A, made of 23 mothers who have performed a regular extraction of BM and KMC in a dedicated space with a psychological support; group B, made of 23 mothers who have not performed a regular extraction of BM and KMC in a similar setting.

Results: The average amount of BM extracted by mothers in group A was greater than group B. Moreover, the comparative analysis showed that 78% of newborns who performed an efficient KMC had a significantly better neurological outcome (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in the percentage of mothers who continued breastfeeding after discharge (A 52% versus B 26%). The average length of hospital stay was lower in the group A than group B (p < 0.05). On the other hands there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning the onset of ROP.

Conclusion: KMC performed in comfortable settings with the help of psychological support figures increases the production of BM, promotes the continuation of breastfeeding at the time of discharge and improves the neurological outcome of preterm infants.

Keywords: Breast milk; Kangaroo mother care; Music therapy; Neonatal care