THE METHOD OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE

44-12 HOW DOES A MOTHER GIVE KMC?

The almost naked infant (wearing only a nappy and woolen cap) is placed between the mother’s bare breasts. If the room is cold, the infant can wear a cotton shirt, open in front. The infant is nursed upright, facing the mother with the arms and legs flexed in the frog position, under the mother’s shirt, blouse, T-shirt or dress. Keeping the infant upright helps to prevent vomiting. All mothers should be taught how to nurse their infant in the KMC position. The mother does not need to shower or wash her chest before giving KMC.

44-13 HOW IS THE INFANT KEPT IN POSITION?

It is important that the infant is kept warm and held securely. Holding the infant skin-to-skin, chest-to-chest against the mother will keep the infant warm. The mother should have her hands free and be able to walk around. A number of methods are used to keep the infant in place:

1. Usually the mother’s shirt or blouse is tucked into her belt or trousers to prevent the infant slipping out.
2. Sometimes a blanket or cotton towel can be tied around the mother as a binder to hold the infant firmly. The binder can be tied, pinned or tucked in to keep it in place. A shirt or blouse can be worn over the binder. A “boob-tube” is useful.
3. A special KMC top (a pouch) can be used but this is not essential. A KMC top looks like an open shirt with long tails. The shirt is pulled closed in front by crossing the tails. The tails are wrapped around the mother’s back and then tied fast in front. The tails support the infant.
4. In preterm infants it is important to make sure that the airway is never obstructed. The infant’s head should be turned to one side and slightly extended to keep the airway open. Do not allow the infant’s neck to be flexed or over extended. The top edge of the towel or binder should be just under the infant’s ear. It is best if small infants are kept upright between the mother’s breasts and not allowed to slip sideways.
5. If the mother is lying down, she and her infant should be kept at an angle of about 45* by raising the head of the hospital bed or be using a large pillow or a number of pillows or cushions.

Special binders or carrying pouches are commercially available and can be helpful.

NO SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED TO GIVE KANGAROO MOTHER CARE