KMC – Kangaroo Mother Care

Dr. Edgar Rey in 1978 introduced KMC to keep the infant warm like in Kangaroo.  This is a care for preterm and low birth weight babies by placing the baby skin to skin contact with the mother or caregiver.

It is recommended to perform KMC  (duration)  atleast more than 1 hour and maximum upto 24 hours because if done for less than an hour and frequent changing of position of infant may cause injury to the skin of the infant. Average duration of KMC recommended is 4 hours.

Position of the baby is like a frog position with flexed hands , flexed legs and abducted hip. The baby must lie in the epigastrium of mother so that mother’s breathing stimulates the baby, thus reduces occurrence of apnea. The head of the infant must be turned to one side and in a slightly extended position favoring respiration. Eye to eye contact between mother and baby must be easy. Baby is dressed with cap and socks.

Baby must be under mother’s clothing so any front open clothes  sounds cozy ( according to local culture)and helpful.

WHEN TO START KMC? It is decided according to the condition of the newborn. If

   Weight of baby :
 less than 1200g – may take days to weeks to start KMC 
1200-1800g      - may take days before KMC can be initiated
  More than 1800g – can be initiated immediately after birth.

BREASTFEEDING IN KMC: the best nutrition is breastfeeding. Keeping the baby near the breast ,helps in milk production. She must express the milk and feed the baby using spoon or paladai or tube while in KMC position.

WHEN TO STOP KMC? Stop if baby attains a weight of 2500g or if the baby cries and pulls limb out when put in kmc position.