Post-discharge home kangaroo mother care follow-up study in rural Gujarat.

Background: Continuation of kangaroo mother care (KMC) at home is vital for improved infant survival and development. Hence, it is essential to understand potential enablers and barriers to home KMC provision. Methodology: This observational study was conducted in rural Gujarat. KMC was initiated for all low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates during the hospital stay and were advised to continue home KMC on discharge. The mothers of these LBW neonates were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during follow-up visits or via telephone. Results: A total of 100 mothers were interviewed, and 98 practiced home KMC. Mothers' mean age was 24.41 (±3.1) years, and infants' mean age was 3.48 (±1.81) months. The mean weight of neonates at discharge was 1.85 (±0.28) kg. Out of the 104 neonates (96 singleton pregnancies and four twins), 76 (73.07%) were pre-term. 31% mothers provided 4-6 hours of daily KMC. 60% provided KMC for less than 1 hour during each session, while 36% of mothers provided each KMC session for 1-3 hours. 74% of mothers received family support, and 62% faced difficulties in home KMC provision. 88% of mothers were homemakers, and 53% had other children to care for. 51% mothers pre-maturely discontinued KMC provision. 83% of the mothers reported fatigue or pain during KMC provision. Conclusion: Lack of family support, other household responsibilities, and other children to care for were major barriers leading to pre-mature discontinuation of home KMC.

Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol on the Effects of a Sensory Motor Intervention Associated with Kangaroo Skin-to-Skin Contact in Preterm Newborns.

There is still very limited evidence on the effects of neonatal interventions on infant neurodevelopmental outcomes, including general movements (GMs). This research will primarily assess the effects of a sensory motor physical therapy intervention combined with kangaroo skin-to-skin contact on the GMs of hospitalized preterm newborns. Secondary outcomes include body weight, posture and muscle tone, behavioral state, length of hospital stay, and breastfeeding. This study protocol details a two-arm parallel clinical trial methodology, involving participants with a postmenstrual age of 34-35 weeks admitted to a Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (NInCU) with poor repertoire GMs. Thirty-four participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, receiving a 10-day sensory motor physical therapy associated with kangaroo skin-to-skin contact, or the control group, which will only receive kangaroo skin-to-skin contact. The study will measure GMs (primary outcome), and body weight, posture and muscle tone, behavioral state, length of hospital stay, and breastfeeding (secondary outcomes). Data collection occurs in the NInCU before and after the intervention, with follow-up measurements post discharge at 2-4 weeks and 12-15 weeks post-term. SPSS will be used for data analyses. The results will provide novel information on how sensory motor experiences may affect early neurodevelopment and clinical variables in preterm newborns.

Preclinical validation of NeoWarm, a low-cost infant warmer and carrier device, to ameliorate induced hypothermia in newborn piglets as models for human neonates.

Introduction: Approximately 1.5 million neonatal deaths occur among premature and small (low birthweight or small-for gestational age) neonates annually, with a disproportionate amount of this mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypothermia, the inability of newborns to regulate their body temperature, is common among prematurely born and small babies, and often underlies high rates of mortality in this population. In high-resource settings, incubators and radiant warmers are the gold standard for hypothermia, but this equipment is often scarce in LMICs. Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-skin care (KMC/STS) is an evidence-based intervention that has been targeted for scale-up among premature and small neonates. However, KMC/STS requires hours of daily contact between a neonate and an able adult caregiver, leaving little time for the caregiver to care for themselves. To address this, we created a novel self-warming biomedical device, NeoWarm, to augment KMC/STS. The present study aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of NeoWarm. Methods: Sixteen, 0-to-5-day-old piglets were used as an animal model due to similarities in their thermoregulatory capabilities, circulatory systems, and approximate skin composition to human neonates. The piglets were placed in an engineered cooling box to drop their core temperature below 36.5°C, the World Health Organizations definition of hypothermia for human neonates. The piglets were then warmed in NeoWarm (n = 6) or placed in the ambient 17.8°C ± 0.6°C lab environment (n = 5) as a control to assess the efficacy of NeoWarm in regulating their core body temperature. Results: All 6 piglets placed in NeoWarm recovered from hypothermia, while none of the 5 piglets in the ambient environment recovered. The piglets warmed in NeoWarm reached a significantly higher core body temperature (39.2°C ± 0.4°C, n = 6) than the piglets that were warmed in the ambient environment (37.9°C ± 0.4°C, n = 5) (p < 0.001). No piglet in the NeoWarm group suffered signs of burns or skin abrasions. Discussion: Our results in this pilot study indicate that NeoWarm can safely and effectively warm hypothermic piglets to a normal core body temperature and, with additional validation, shows promise for potential use among human premature and small neonates.

Exclusive breastfeeding and length of hospital stay in premature infants at a Brazilian reference center for kangaroo mother care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and hospital length-of-stay in preterm infants undergoing or not the Kangaroo-Mother Care Method (KMC). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including preterm infants < 1800 g admitted to the neonatal unit of a KMC reference center. The infants were grouped into the KMC group and the non-KMC group. Multiple logistic and Poisson regressions were performed to evaluate the association between the KMC and two outcomes, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, and hospital length-of-stay, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: 115 mother-infant dyads were included, 78 in the KMC group and 37 in the non-KMC group. In the bivariate analysis, the KMC group had a lower prevalence of maternal adverse conditions (6% vs. 32%, p < 0.001), a higher number of prenatal visits (median 6 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001), higher gestational ages (median 32 vs. 31 weeks, p < 0.05), higher birth weights (median 1530 vs. 1365 g, p < 0.01), a lower prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis (3.8% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.05), parenteral nutrition (50% vs. 73%, p < 0.05), and deep vascular access (49.7% vs. 78.4%, p < 0.01), a higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (65% vs. 8%, p < 0.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (median 28 vs. 42 days, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the KMC group was 23 times more likely to be exclusively breastfed at discharge (OR = 23.1; 95% CI = 4,85-109,93) and had a 19% reduction in the hospital length-of-stay (IDR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.76-0.86) compared to the non-KMC group. CONCLUSIONS: The KMC is associated with better short-term neonatal outcomes and should be encouraged in all Brazilian maternity hospitals.

Kangaroo care: Benefits, challenges, and future perspectives in neonatal care. An integrative review / Método canguro: Beneficios, desafíos y perspectivas futuras en el cuidado neonatal. Una revisión integrativa / Cuidado canguru: benefícios, desafios e perspectivas futuras na assistência neonatal. Uma revisão integrativa

Objective: To review current scientific evidence on the physiological effects of kangaroo care, explore barriers and facilitators to its implementation, and identify areas requiring further research. Materials and methods: An integrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases without language restrictions. Studies included quantitative and qualitative review studies. Critical appraisal of studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results: Sixteen studies were analyzed, providing heterogeneous support for the efficacy of kangaroo care  in improving various neonatal physiological parameters including heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen saturation. Major barriers to implementation included restricted visiting hours, healthcare staff workload, negative cultural beliefs, lack of information and empowerment for mothers, and limited involvement of fathers. Conclusions: kangaroo care positively impacts premature or low birth weight neonatal development, though implementation is influenced by sociocultural factors. Further research is needed to better assess real effects on neonatal physiological parameters. Additional qualitative studies could aid in developing culturally adapted strategies to optimize kangaroo care implementation across contexts by better understanding family and medical team perspectives.

Objetivo. El objetivo es revisar la evidencia científica actual sobre los efectos fisiológicos del método canguro, explorar las barreras y facilitadores para su aplicación, además de identificar áreas de conocimiento aún no exploradas. Materiales y métodos. Revisión Integrativa, que incluyó estudios de revisión cuantitativos y cualitativos, en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Cochrane, sin restricción de idioma. La valoración crítica de los estudios se realizó con la herramienta del Joanna Briggs Institute. Resultados. Se analizaron 16 estudios, entre los cuales se encontró evidencia que respalda la eficacia del método canguro en la mejora de diversos parámetros fisiológicos del neonato. Entre estos parámetros se encuentran la frecuencia cardíaca, la temperatura corporal y la saturación de oxígeno. Sin embargo, los resultados son heterogéneos. Las principales barreras para la implementación del método canguro incluyen: restricciones de las horas de visita, carga de trabajo del personal sanitario, creencias culturales negativas, falta de información y empoderamiento de las madres, además de la limitada participación de los padres. Conclusiones. El método canguro tiene un impacto positivo en el desarrollo los neonatos prematuros o de bajo peso. Sin embargo, su implementación se ve afectada por diversos factores socioculturales. Futuras investigaciones deben identificar los efectos reales sobre los parámetros fisiológicos del neonato.  Se necesitan estudios cualitativos para comprender mejor las perspectivas de las familias, de los equipos médicos, y así desarrollar estrategias de adaptación cultural que optimicen la aplicación del este método en diferentes contextos.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é revisar as evidências científicas atuais sobre os efeitos fisiológicos do Método Canguru, explorar as barreiras e facilitadores para sua aplicação, além de identificar áreas do conhecimento ainda não exploradas.Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizada uma Revisão Integrativa, incluindo estudos de revisão quantitativa e qualitativa, nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Cochrane, sem restrição de idioma. A avaliação crítica dos estudos foi conduzida com a ferramenta Joanna Briggs Institute.Resultados: Foram analisados 16 estudos, nos quais foram encontradas evidências que sustentam a eficácia do Método Canguru na melhoria de diversos parâmetros fisiológicos do recém-nascido, tais como frequência cardíaca, temperatura corporal e saturação de oxigênio. No entanto, os resultados apresentaram heterogeneidade. As principais barreiras à implementação do Método Canguru incluem restrições nos horários de visita, carga de trabalho do pessoal de saúde, crenças culturais negativas, falta de informação e empoderamento das mães, além da participação limitada dos pais.Conclusões: O Método Canguru demonstrou ter impacto positivo no desenvolvimento de neonatos prematuros ou de baixo peso. Contudo, sua implementação é afetada por diversos fatores socioculturais. Pesquisas futuras devem identificar os reais efeitos nos parâmetros fisiológicos do neonato. Estudos qualitativos são necessários para melhor compreender as perspectivas das famílias e das equipes médicas, visando desenvolver estratégias de adaptação cultural que otimizem a aplicação deste método em diferentes contextos.

Neonatal transport practices and effectiveness of the use of low-cost interventions on outcomes of transported neonates in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Background and Aims: Neonatal deaths contribute significantly to under-5 mortality worldwide with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone accounting for 43% of global newborn deaths. Significant challenges in the region's health systems evidenced by huge disparities in health facility deliveries and poor planning for preterm births are major contributors to the high neonatal mortality. Many neonates in the region are delivered in suboptimal conditions and require transportation to facilities equipped for specialized care. This review describes neonatal transport across the subregion, focusing on low-cost interventions employed. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies on neonatal transport in SSA followed by a narrative synthesis. A search in the databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar was performed from inception to March 2023. Two authors reviewed the full texts of relevant studies to determine eligibility for inclusion which was subsequently cross-checked by a third reviewer using a random 30% overlay. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 20 studies were included in this review involving 11,895 neonates from 10 countries. All studies evaluated the transfer of neonates into referral centers from the peripheries. Most neonates were transferred by public transport (n = 12), mostly in the arms of caregivers with little communication between referring facilities. Studies reporting on ambulance transfers reported pervasive inadequacies in both human resources and transport equipment. No study reported on the use of Kangaroo mother care (KMC) in the transfer process. Conclusions: The neonatal transport system across the SSA region is poorly planned, poorly resourced, and executed with little communication between facilities. Using cost-effective measures like KMC and improved training of community health workers may be key to improving the outcomes of transported neonates.

Investigating socioeconomic disparities of Kangaroo mother care on preterm infant health outcomes.

Several studies have been conducted to examine the complicated relationships between various factors that influence Kangaroo mother care (KMC) for preterm infants. However, the extended socio-economic model has not been seen in any of the previous studies that looked into the factors related to KMC and how it affects the health outcomes of babies born before in our study population. This study examines the various dimensions of KMC implementation and its influence on the health outcomes of premature infants. The current cross-sectional study was carried out in South Punjab, Pakistan, covering both private and public KMC units in obstetrics and gynecology departments. The study included a sample size of 719 patients and was conducted during a period covering 21 September 2022 to 14 October 2023. Multinomial logistic regression analysis is employed to ascertain the factors by using SPSS-26 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The use of folic acid (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.87-3.11) and factor anemia (OR: 8.82; 95% CI: 1.69-14.59) no significantly correlated with better health outcomes, while environmental toxin exposure had a negative impact (OR: 0.90). The findings underscore the need for comprehensive interventions and policies to bridge socioeconomic gaps, ensuring all preterm infants benefit from KMC.

Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on Skin Microbiome of Very Preterm Infants - A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether Kangaroo mother care (KMC) aids in transfer of favourable skin microbiome from mother to infant by comparing the microbiome composition before and after KMC. METHODS: A prospective cohort pilot study was conducted in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in South India, recruiting 30 preterm infants with gestation <32 wk from October 2020 through December 2020. Neonatal skin involving the area in contact with the mother during KMC i.e., axilla, chest and abdomen was swabbed at the end of first week of life, prior to initiation of KMC. The 2nd swab involving the same areas was taken following KMC for 7 d for at least 6 h a day. The swabs were analysed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) - 16sRNA and abundance of organisms isolated were mapped. Statistical analyses using t-test and PERMANOVA were performed to compare phyla and genera of bacterial abundance pre-KMC and post-KMC. RESULTS: KMC at phyla level increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (p=0.52) and significantly decreased Proteobacteria (p=0.02). At species level, KMC decreased pathogenic bacterial count of Escherichia (p=0.05), while counts of S. hemolyticus (p=0.01) and S. hominis (p=.002) significantly increased post KMC. CONCLUSIONS: KMC has a potential role in altering the neonatal skin microbiota towards a more favourable microenvironment. The clinical significance of these novel findings needs to be validated with larger studies.

Método Canguru: percepção da equipe de enfermagem em uma maternidade de alto risco / Kangaroo Method: perception of the nursing team in a high-risk maternity hospital / Método Canguro: percepción del equipo de enfermería en una maternidad de alto riesgo

Objetivo: analisar a percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre o método canguru em uma maternidade de alto risco. Método: estudo exploratório, descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com enfermeiros de uma maternidade de alto risco de Recife (PE), desenvolvida entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2020. As entrevistas foram transcritas e submetida a análise através da técnica de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: ocorreu a formulação de duas categorias, assistência de enfermagem no método canguru e benefícios e desafios encontrados no Método Canguru. As participantes relataram que os cuidados de enfermagem se baseiam principalmente em orientações as mães, a escassez de profissionais e baixa adesão foram evidenciados como principais desafios. Conclusão: constatou-se que a atuação de enfermagem no método canguru é um complexo processo, necessitando de uma equipe de enfermagem motivada e especializada

Objective: analyze the nursing team's perception of the kangaroo method in a high-risk maternity hospital. Method: exploratory, descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, carried out through semi-structured interviews with nurses from a high-risk maternity hospital in Recife (PE), carried out between January and February 2020. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to analysis using the content technique by Bardin. Results: two categories were formulated, nursing care in the kangaroo method and benefits and challenges found in the Kangaroo Method. Participants reported that nursing care is mainly based on guidance from mothers, the shortage of professionals and low adherence were highlighted as main challenges. Conclusion: it was found that nursing practice in the kangaroo method is a complex process, requiring a motivated and specialized nursing team

Objetivos: analizar la percepción del equipo de enfermería sobre el método canguro en una maternidad de alto riesgo. Método: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, realizado a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas a enfermeros de una maternidad de alto riesgo de Recife (PE), realizado entre enero y febrero de 2020. Las entrevistas fueron transcritas y sometidas a análisis mediante el Técnica de contenidos de Bardin. Resultados: Se formularon dos categorías, los cuidados de enfermería en el método canguro y los beneficios y desafíos encontrados en el Método Canguro. Los participantes informaron que la atención de enfermería se basa principalmente en la orientación de las madres, la escasez de profesionales y la baja adherencia fueron destacados como principales desafíos. Conclusión: se encontró que la práctica de enfermería en el método canguro es un proceso complejo, que requiere de un equipo de enfermería motivado y especializado

Transição alimentar de prematuros internados na Unidade Canguru: revisão sistemática / Transición alimentaria de prematuros internados en la Unidad Canguro: revisión sistemática / Food transition of premature infants admitted to the Kangaroo Unit: systematic review

Resumo Objetivo Analisar as evidências disponíveis sobre a transição alimentar de sonda orogástrica para aleitamento materno diretamente na mama com prematuros internados em unidades hospitalares. Métodos Revisão sistemática da literatura com busca nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, com os critérios de inclusão: estudos experimentais, sem restrição temporal e nos idiomas português, espanhol e inglês. A avaliação metodológica foi realizada por meio das ferramentas Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) e Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) e consistiu em duas etapas: qualidade metodológica e o risco de viés dos estudos. Resultados Foram identificados 10 artigos, todos ensaios clínicos randomizados. As técnicas utilizadas na transição da dieta dos prematuros encontradas foram: sonda-dedo e seringa, copo e sonda-dedo, copo e mamadeira, colher e sucção não-nutritiva, sucção não-nutritiva, sucção não-nutritiva e estimulação oral, comportamento dos prematuros, cheiro do leite materno. Conclusão As técnicas evidenciadas permitiram a transição da dieta, em um período mais curto, reduzindo o tempo de internação, aumentando o ganho de peso e se mostraram seguras, desde que o prematuro tenha maturidade para ser realizada. Contudo, a mamadeira foi desaconselhada, pela ocorrência de episódios de dessaturação, aumento da frequência cardíaca e confusão de bico.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar las evidencias disponibles sobre la transición alimentaria de sonda orogástrica a lactancia materna directamente de la mama con prematuros internados en unidades hospitalarias. Métodos Revisión sistemática de la literatura con búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: estudios experimentales, sin restricción temporal y en idioma portugués, español e inglés. La evaluación metodológica se realizó por medio de las herramientas Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) y Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) y consistió en dos etapas: calidad metodológica y riesgo de sesgo de los estudios. Resultados Se identificaron 10 artículos, todos ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Las técnicas utilizadas para la transición de la dieta de prematuros fueron: dedo-jeringa y jeringa, vaso y dedo-jeringa, vaso y mamadera, cuchara y succión no nutritiva, succión no nutritiva, succión no nutritiva y estimulación oral, comportamiento de los prematuros, olor de la leche materna. Conclusión Las técnicas observadas permitieron realizar la transición de la dieta en un período más corto, con reducción del tiempo de internación y mejor aumento de peso y demostraron ser seguras, siempre que el prematuro tenga madurez para realizarlas. No obstante, se desaconseja la mamadera por la presencia de episodios de desaturación, aumento de la frecuencia cardíaca y confusión tetina-pezón. Número de registro da revisão sistemática: CRD42021240725 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=240725)

Abstract Objective To analyze the available evidence on the transition from orogastric tube feeding to breastfeeding directly from the breast with premature infants admitted to hospital units. Methods Systematic literature review with search in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, with the inclusion criteria: experimental studies, without temporal restrictions and in Portuguese, Spanish and English. The methodological assessment was carried out using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) tools and consisted of two stages: methodological quality and the risk of bias of the studies. Results 10 papers were identified, all randomized clinical trials. The techniques used in transitioning the premature babies' diet were: finger tube and syringe, cup and finger tube, cup and bottle, spoon and non-nutritive sucking, non-nutritive sucking, non-nutritive sucking and oral stimulation, behavior of premature babies, and smell of breast milk. Conclusion The demonstrated techniques allowed the transition of the diet in a shorter period, reducing the length of hospital stay, increasing weight gain 1and proved to be safe, as long as the premature baby is mature enough to undergo the procedure. However, bottle feeding was not recommended due to the occurrence of episodes of desaturation, increased heart rate and nipple confusion. Systematic review registration number: CRD42021240725 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=240725)

Aleitamento materno exclusivo e uso da bolsa canguru em bebês a termo entre o primeiro e segundo mês de idade / Exclusive breastfeeding and the use of kangaroo slings among full-term infants between their first and second months of age / Amamantamiento materno exclusivo y uso de la bolsa canguro en bebés a término entre el primer y segundo mes de edad

Objetivo: verificar a associação entre o uso da bolsa canguru, desde a maternidade até o domicílio, e aleitamento materno exclusivo, entre o 1o e 2o mês de idade, em bebês a termo saudáveis; identificar o nível de autoeficácia para o aleitamento materno, das mães que utilizaram a bolsa canguru. Métodos: estudo transversal com mães que receberam uma bolsa canguru após o parto, na maternidade, e foram orientadas sobre manterem seus bebês nesta postura, pelo menos uma hora por dia. Entre um e dois meses após o nascimento, foram investigadas a frequência do uso da bolsa canguru, autoeficácia materna da amamentação e tipo de alimentação dos bebês. Para análise foi empregado o teste ꭓ2 ou Exato de Fisher e o coeficiente V de Cramer (p < 0,05). Resultados: participaram 98 mães. Todas utilizaram a bolsa canguru no alojamento conjunto, 39,8% utilizaram três ou mais vezes por semana, no domicílio entre o primeiro e segundo mês após o parto; 70,4% dos bebês permaneceram em Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo (AME), o nível da autoeficácia materna para amamentação foi alto. AME esteve associado ao uso da bolsa canguru no domicílio (p = 0,014). Conclusão: bebês a termo saudáveis podem se beneficiar do uso da bolsa canguru desde a maternidade, estendido até o domicílio.

Objectives: to verify the association between kangaroo slings used from maternity hospital to home, and exclusive breastfeeding among healthy full-term babies between the 1st and 2nd months of age; to identify breastfeeding self-efficacy level of those mothers using a kangaroo sling. Method: this cross-sectional study addressed mothers who received a kangaroo sling after giving birth, at maternity hospital, and were instructed to keep the babies in this posture at least one hour daily. The frequency with which the mothers used the kangaroo sling, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and the type of feeding were investigated between one and two months after delivery. ꭓ2 or Fisher's exact test and Cramer's V coefficient (p < 0.05) were adopted in the analysis. Results: ninety-eight mothers participated in the study. All of them used the kangaroo sling in rooming-in; 39.8% used it three or more times a week at home between the 1st and 2nd months after giving birth; 70.4% of the babies remained on Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF), the level of breastfeeding self-efficacy was high, and EBF was associated with the use of a kangaroo sling at home (p = 0.014). Conclusion: healthy full-term babies can benefit from using a kangaroo sling, starting at the maternity hospital and extending its use to home.

Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre el uso de la bolsa canguro, desde la maternidad hasta el domicilio, y amamantamiento materno exclusivo, entre el 1o e 2o mes de edad, en bebés a término saludables; identificar el nivel de autoeficacia para el amamantamiento materno, de las madres que utilizaron la bolsa canguro. Métodos: estudio transversal con madres que recibieron una bolsa canguro después del parto, en la maternidad, y fueron orientadas sobre mantener sus bebés en esta postura, por lo menos una hora por día. Entre uno y dos meses después del nacimiento, fueron investigadas la frecuencia del uso de la bolsa canguro, autoeficacia materna del amamantamiento y tipo de alimentación de los bebés. Para el análisis fue empleado el test ꭓ2 o Exacto de Fisher y el coeficiente V de Cramer (p < 0,05). Resultados: participaron 98 madres. Todas utilizaron la bolsa canguro en alojamiento conjunto, 39,8% utilizaron tres o más veces por semana, en el domicilio entre el primero y segundo mes después el parto; 70,4%, de los bebés, permaneció en Lactancia Materno Exclusivo (LME); el nivel de la autoeficacia materna para amamantamiento fue alto. El LME estuvo asociado al uso de la bolsa canguro en el domicilio (p = 0,014). Conclusión: bebés a término saludables pueden beneficiarse del uso de la bolsa canguro desde la maternidad, extendido hasta el domicilio.

Relação do tipo de contacto físico com o aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta hospitalar / Association between the type of physical contact and exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge / Relación del tipo de contacto físico con la lactancia materna exclusiva en el momento del alta hospitalaria

Resumo Enquadramento: Promover o contacto físico, especialmente o pele a pele, de forma imediata ou precoce em recém-nascidos prematuros é ainda um desafio. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de contacto físico entre mãe e recém-nascido prematuro no nascimento e associar o tipo de contacto físico realizado pelo binómio na sala de parto com a prevalência do aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta hospitalar. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com amostra não probabilística de 78 mães e 79 prematuros. A colheita de dados foi efetuada de julho a novembro de 2017, por meio de entrevista e consulta em prontuário e os dados foram analisados conforme a estatística descritiva e Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: A prevalência de qualquer tipo de contacto físico realizado na sala de parto foi de 51,9%, sem diferença estatística entre o tipo de contacto físico realizado entre mãe e bebé com o aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta. Conclusão: O contacto físico pelo toque e beijo no momento do parto não influenciou na prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta hospitalar.

Abstract Background: Promoting physical contact, especially skin-to-skin contact, immediately or as soon as possible in preterm newborns is still a challenge. Objective: To determine the prevalence of physical contact between mothers and preterm newborns at birth and to analyze the association between the type of physical contact between them in the delivery room and the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with a nonprobability sample of 78 mothers and 79 preterm newborns. Data were collected from July to November 2017, through interviews and medical records, and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Poisson Regression with robust variance. Results: The prevalence of any type of physical contact in the delivery room was 51.9%, without statistical difference between the type of physical contact between mothers and infants and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Conclusion: Physical contact by touching and kissing after birth did not influence the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge.

Resumen Marco contextual: Promover el contacto físico, especialmente piel con piel, de forma inmediata o precoz en recién nacidos prematuros sigue siendo un desafío. Objetivo: Comprobar la prevalencia del contacto físico entre la madre y el recién nacido prematuro en el momento del nacimiento y asociar el tipo de contacto físico realizado por el binomio en la sala de partos con la prevalencia de la lactancia materna exclusiva en el momento del alta hospitalaria. Metodología: Estudio transversal con una muestra no probabilística de 78 madres y 79 recién nacidos prematuros. La recogida de datos se realizó de julio a noviembre de 2017, mediante entrevista y consulta en antecedentes clínicos, y los datos se analizaron según la estadística descriptiva y la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. Resultados: La prevalencia de cualquier tipo de contacto físico realizado en la sala de partos fue del 51,9%, sin diferencias estadísticas entre el tipo de contacto físico realizado entre la madre y el bebé, y la lactancia materna exclusiva en el momento del alta. Conclusión: El contacto físico mediante caricias y besos durante el parto no influyó en la prevalencia de la lactancia materna exclusiva en el momento del alta hospitalaria.

Women's experiences providing kangaroo mother care in an academic hospital in Tshwane, Gauteng.

Preterm birth can be stressful for mothers and have negative consequences for the natural establishment of the mother-infant relationship. A high-impact, economical, and potentially life-saving strategy for the care of preterm and low-birthweight babies is kangaroo mother care (KMC). The literature suggests challenges to and enablers of KMC implementation in low-resource environments. The aim was to explore and describe women's experiences of providing KMC to their preterm babies. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted. An unstructured interview guide was used to collect data during a focus group interview with mothers who provided kangaroo care. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's method. Four main themes emerged from the analyzed data. The results reflected on participants' positive experiences, parenting skills and challenges. The participants suggested measures to enhance their encounters while providing KMC. Nurses need to support mothers who provide KMC; continuous education and guidance can enhance the implementation of this evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes for both preterm babies and their mothers. There is a need for continued training and support for mothers practising KMC, along with the consideration for healthcare providers to offer postpartum services for the mothers.

Une naissance prématurée peut être stressante pour les mères et avoir des conséquences négatives sur l'établissement naturel de la relation mère-enfant. Les soins maternels kangourous (KMC) constituent une stratégie à fort impact, économique et potentiellement vitale pour les soins aux bébés prématurés et de faible poids de naissance. La littérature suggère des défis et des catalyseurs pour la mise en œuvre de KMC dans des environnements à faibles ressources. L'objectif était d'explorer et de décrire les expériences des femmes en matière de fourniture de KMC à leurs bébés prématurés. Une approche qualitative, exploratoire et descriptive a été adoptée. Un guide d'entretien non structuré a été utilisé pour collecter des données lors d'un groupe de discussion avec des mères qui prodiguaient des soins kangourous. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de la méthode de Braun et Clarke. Quatre thèmes principaux ont émergé des données analysées. Les résultats reflètent les expériences positives des participants, leurs compétences parentales et leurs défis. Les participants ont suggéré des mesures pour améliorer leurs rencontres tout en fournissant des KMC. Les infirmières doivent soutenir les mères qui dispensent des soins KMC ; une éducation et des conseils continus peuvent améliorer la mise en œuvre de cette pratique fondée sur des données probantes pour améliorer les résultats de santé des bébés prématurés et de leurs mères. Il est nécessaire de poursuivre la formation et le soutien des mères pratiquant la KMC, ainsi que d'envisager que les prestataires de soins de santé offrent des services post-partum aux mères.

The effectiveness of kangaroo mother care in lowering postpartum depression in mothers of preterm and low birth weight babies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) intervention involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant. Some studies have shown a decrease in postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. However, the literature is scattered and of variable quality. Aims: To conduct a systematic review of available literature and provide a comprehensive picture of the effect of KMC on PPD among mothers of preterm and LBW infants. Methods: The study was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. After PROSPERO registration, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, and Google Scholar from the inception of the databases till 14 June 2021. Of the 2944 studies assessed for titles and abstracts, nine studies with 2042 participants were included in the review. Included articles targeted mothers with LBW (<2500 g) or preterm infants (<37 weeks), used an authentic PPD tool, and had standard care or an incubator as the control group. Studies not published in English and in which mothers had a previous psychiatric illness were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized control trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. All the results were converted to standard mean deviation and pooled together using a random-effects model with a 95% CI. A P-value of less than 0.05 is considered significant. Results: KMC Intervention was significantly associated with a lower depression score than control groups. The reduction in depression in the intervention (KMC) group was moderate: SMD=-0.38 (-0.68 to -0.08; 95% CI; I 2=86%; P=0.013). No significant difference was found between the PPD scores of both groups using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale score. Conclusions: The authors conclude that the negative effects of LBW and preterm birth experience on maternal mental health can be avoided to a moderate degree by KMC. Due to a lack of methodological uniformity, different scales for outcome measurement, and discrepancies in intervention features, significantly high heterogeneity was detected. The authors need further larger-scale studies with a uniform study design to better predict the efficacy of KMC better.

Challenges Faced by Mothers Practicing Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in a Resource-Limited Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights From the Voices of Mothers of Preterm Babies and Their Suggested Solutions.

Objectives. We investigated the challenges faced by mothers of preterm babies practicing KMC during the Covid-19 pandemic and documented the mothers' suggestions of possible interventions. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study at the New Born Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital(KNH). We interviewed 82 mothers using a researcher-administered questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. Qualitative data generated from open-ended questions was analyzed thematically. Results. KMC was majorly affected by; fear of the baby contracting COVID-19, fear of contracting COVID-19, and social distancing restrictions. The mothers' suggested interventions included; the need for more KMC rooms, provision of appropriate clothing, strict application of COVID-19 prevention guidelines, and greater support of practice by the family. Conclusion. The mother's pivotal role as a partner in decision-making in regard to the improvement of KMC during pandemics and possibly other settings was demonstrated. Targeted interventions should incorporate the suggestions from the mothers.

Postnatal Kangaroo mother care practice at home and comparison of improvement in vital parameters in low-birth-weight babies in-home setup and non-teaching hospital setup in rural coal mines area Jharkhand, India: A community-based observational study.

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) newborns especially those <2000 g are more prone to hypothermia due to which other physiological parameters gets deteriorated in the 1st week of life. The objective of this observational study was to continue Kangaroo mother care practice at home and to ascertain whether KMC was effective in improving the vital parameters of LBW babies when it is given at home in a rural coal mines area, in Jharkhand, India. Materials and Methods: This study was a community-based prospective observational study, done over three years from November 2019 to November 2022. In this study, we included 156 pairs of both mothers and LBW babies (weight 1500 g to <2000 g). After discharge from the hospital on day 3, KMC was continued at home on day 4, day 5, and day 6. Data of four physiological parameters, namely, temperature, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and heart rate were collected before and after KMC and analyzed. Results: Among 400 newborns, 156 LBW babies (39.0%) who were given KMC at home showed similar but statistically significant improvement of vital parameters, especially in temperature and oxygen saturation (P < 0.0001) compared to the same babies 156 (39.0%) given KMC in the hospital (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care, which was continued at home, has a significant role in the Improvement of vital parameters, especially concerning temperature and oxygen saturation. If the babies in the weight range of 1500 g to <2000 g are healthy, well-breast-fed, and have no other risk factors, they can be discharged early and managed at home by delivering supportive care and nursing care along with Kangaroo mother care with continuous follow-up.

Exploring factors influencing the uptake of kangaroo mother care: key informant interviews with parents.

BACKGROUND: The updated World Health Organization (WHO) guideline recommends immediate kangaroo mother care (KMC) for all infants, particularly those born preterm. However, its uptake and sustainability have been unsatisfactory. Therefore, we aimed to gain deeper insight into factors influencing the uptake of KMC practice in our setting, and thereby identify possible solutions for the development of relevant interventions to improve its adoption and make KMC a routine practice for all infants. METHODS: Using the Triandis model of social behaviour as our framework, we conducted key informant interviews with parents and healthcare providers. Trained interviewers conducted interviews with nine parents, recruited via purposive sampling. These parents were parents of preterm infants who had been introduced to KMC. Data was transcribed and analysed based on Triandis' Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour. This paper only reports the results of the parent interviews. RESULTS: Major findings were how positive feelings like warmth and contentment, the sense of parenthood with KMC, the benefits of KMC for their infant and parents being enablers for KMC uptake. Conversely, the lack of KMC awareness, the initial negative feelings such as fear, uncertainty and embarrassment, the prioritization of time for milk expression, overcrowding in the ward, lack of space and privacy, limited visiting hours, lack of support and poor communication resulting in misapprehension about KMC were major barriers. CONCLUSION: A deeper understanding of the factors influencing the uptake of KMC using the Triandis behavioural model provided a way forward to help improve its uptake and sustainability in our settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the National Medical Research Registry (NMRR-17-2984-39191).

Skin-to-skin contact for the prevention of neonatal hypoglycaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant after birth is recommended to promote breastfeeding and maternal-infant bonding. However, its impact on the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess this. METHODS: Published randomised control trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-randomised studies of interventions, cohort, or case-control studies with an intervention of skin-to-skin care compared to other treatment were included without language or date restrictions. The primary outcome was neonatal hypoglycaemia (study-defined). We searched 4 databases and 4 trial registries from inception to May 12th, 2023. Quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 1 or Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment tools. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results were synthesised using RevMan 5.4.1 or STATA and analysed using random-effects meta-analyses where possible, otherwise with direction of findings tables. This review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42022328322). RESULTS: This review included 84,900 participants in 108 studies, comprising 65 RCTs, 16 quasi-RCTs, seven non-randomised studies of intervention, eight prospective cohort studies, nine retrospective cohort studies and three case-control studies. Evidence suggests skin-to-skin contact may result in a large reduction in the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia (7 RCTs/quasi-RCTs, 922 infants, RR 0.29 (0.13, 0.66), p < 0.0001, I2 = 47%). Skin-to-skin contact may reduce the incidence of admission to special care or neonatal intensive care nurseries for hypoglycaemia (1 observational study, 816 infants, OR 0.50 (0.25-1.00), p = 0.050), but the evidence is very uncertain. Skin-to-skin contact may reduce duration of initial hospital stay after birth (31 RCTs, 3437 infants, MD -2.37 (-3.66, -1.08) days, p = 0.0003, I2 = 90%, p for Egger's test = 0.02), and increase exclusive breastmilk feeding from birth to discharge (1 observational study, 1250 infants, RR 4.30 (3.19, 5.81), p < 0.0001), but the evidence is very uncertain. CONCLUSION: Skin-to-skin contact may lead to a large reduction in the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia. This, along with other established benefits, supports the practice of skin-to-skin contact for all infants and especially those at risk of hypoglycaemia.

Separation of Maternal and Newborn Care in US Hospitals: A Systemic Threat to Survival, Health and Well-Being.

Through greater understanding of past social, cultural, economic, political, scientific and technological forces which shaped our current health systems to separate mothers and newborn infants, we can begin to devise effective approaches to reshape these systems to meet the needs of mothers and newborn infants today. Medical science and technology have evolved vastly in the last century; however, effects of historical factors persist in our current health care systems, reflected in separate maternal and neonatal care in different departments with distinct guidelines, providers, and treatment locations. This separation prevents maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact and bonding, which significantly affects infant development, well-being, and that of their caregivers. We explore historical precedents for the separation of maternal-newborn care, including the transition from midwifery home care to hospital obstetric care, reasons for the increase in hospital births and hospital nursery development, and the effects of world wars, federal acts, health insurance, rooming-in practices, and the development of medical advances such as antibiotics, on hospital infrastructure. This information is evaluated in the context of modern scientific advancements to show that the conditions which shaped health systems to separate mothers and newborns in the past no longer hold. The insights gained will help to identify strategic actions to reshape health care systems to enable more integrated maternal-newborn care and the practice of Kangaroo Mother Care, and to improve survival outcomes and well-being for mothers, families, and their newborn infants.