The Human Kangaroo

Objetive. This study was conducted to review the evidence, and determine the effectiviness of the nurse’s role on education and maintenance of Kangaroo Mother Care on neonatal infants. Background. KMC was developed in Bogota, Colombia in 1978 by Dr. Edgar Rey to help increase the survival rate among both preterm and low body weight infants. The purpose of KMC is to involve mothers in being “natural incubators” to provide warmth to their infants by skin-to-skin contact. The problem we are facing today is once these infants are born, they are sent immediately to the NICU where they spend long periods of time. The long term care of infants in the NICU is costly whereas with KMC it is less cost effective and they will be discharged earlier. Methods. For this study systematic reviews were used. Results. Sufficient evidence exists to support the capacity of the KMC method for enhancing bonding and attachment between a parent and infant. KMC has many benefits such as reducing maternal post-partum depression and reducing infant pain. In addition, KMC has been associated with establishment and extended duration of breastfeeding, resulting in a positive effect on infant developmental and parental bonding. KMC has been shown to fulfill the emotional needs of both the infant and the mother.” Conclusion. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in supporting and educating parents about the benefits of KMC. Grants. This study was not funded by a grant.