Lucknow: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a skin-to-skin method of caring for premature and low-birth-weight babies, is most effective when supported by the entire family, experts said at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Wednesday. They highlighted that continuous skin-to-skin contact helps maintain body temperature, stabilise breathing and heart rate, support breastfeeding and improve bonding between the baby and family members.
National Pilot Training Programme on Nurturing Care
The observations were made during a two-day National Pilot Training-cum-Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on Nurturing Care under Facility-Based Newborn Care (FBNC), organised by KGMU’s department of paediatrics under the Union health ministry. Experts said fathers and other caregivers can contribute to KMC, especially when mothers require rest or medical attention after childbirth.
Expert Insights on KMC Benefits
Dr Shashi Vani, who inaugurated the programme, said nurturing care plays an important role in improving newborn survival, growth and neurodevelopment. Neonatologist Dr Harish Chellani said, “Family participation, especially from fathers and caregivers, is essential for creating a nurturing environment for small and sick newborns.”
Emphasis on Zero Separation and Parental Involvement
Prof Shalini Tripathi, from the paediatrics department at KGMU, spoke on zero separation, KMC and Mother-Newborn Care Units, stressing the need to keep mothers and babies together and encourage parental involvement in newborn care. She emphasised that family-centred care can significantly enhance outcomes for vulnerable infants.
The training programme aims to equip healthcare providers with skills to promote KMC and nurturing care across facilities. Experts reiterated that KMC is a low-cost, high-impact intervention that can reduce mortality and morbidity among preterm and low-birth-weight babies when practiced consistently with family support.
