KANGAROO CARE
UCL DEPARTMENT  OF  PSYCHOLOGY

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Kangaroo Care in practice

following WHO Guidelines (2003)

The KC implementation  

When to start

When exactly to start  Kangaroo Care (KC) for a premature and low-birth weight infant must be decided case by case. The condition of both baby and mother must be taken into account.  

Kangaroo Care is recommended when the baby no longer needs intensive medical care.

In situations with limited resources, KC is suggested for all premature and low birth weight (LBW) infants from about 32 weeks of gestational age (Charpark et al, 1994; Sloan et al, 1994).

In settings with advanced technology available, KC is suggested for LBW infants of any weight from 28 weeks of gestational age (Gale, Franck and Lund, 1993).  

Environment

Implementation of KC must be facilitated by a supportive environment. Mutual agreement among all the medical team is essential, because the technique requires a large amount of support for the parents.  

KC does not require any special facilities. An adjustable chair or enough pillows are needed to facilitate an up-right position for the mother. Simple arrangement can be made for making the mother more comfortable.

Staff

KC does not require more staff than the traditional care. Existing staff should receive appropriate training in KC. Specifically, they should receive training on:

  • when to start KC
  • positioning the baby on the parents' chest
  • feeding premature and low-birth weight babies
  • breastfeeding and alternative feeding methods
  • involving and supporting the mother and the family in all the aspects of caring for the baby
  • taking appropriate action when a problem is arising or when a mother is concerned
  • deciding on discharge 

Family

All mothers and fathers can provide KC irrespective of age, parity, culture, religion and education.

They need to be informed about the advantage and the implication of KC for their baby and for them. The mother and the father should be, in good general health and willing to provide this type of care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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