Editor Note
Vijay Dahiya
Abstract
Introduction: Approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely each year globally. Out of these 1 million dies each year. Preterm births around the globe are responsible for 35% of world's neonatal deaths. India has the highest number of premature births & maximum number of neonatal deaths occur due to prematurity. Incidence of Low Birth Weight in India is about 27% of total live births. Babies that are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are labeled as premature. Over 80% of such premature are born between 32 to 37 weeks of gestation. Most newborn deaths during this period occur due to lack of simple, essential case such as warmth and feeding support. The burden of preterm birth is enormous in developing countries & provision of some low tech, cost effective interventions can help to reduce newborn deaths from prematurity. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low cost, evidence based standardized care for premature newborn having high impacts. It can reduce approximately 50% of all preterm newborn deaths. KMC is thermal care through skin to skin contact provided to preterm babies preferably by mother of else by other family members. When provided by mother it also support the exclusive breast feeding better neurodevelopment & encourages bonding between mother & infant. KMC is originally adopted from Kangaroo an animal found in Australia that delivers a premature baby & keep it in her pouch where the baby gets warmth & exclusive breast feeding till it is mature to survive outside. It is now evidence based that KMC is found to reduce mortality in premature infants besides reducing severe infections, esp. nosocomial infections, hypothermia & prolonged hospital stay. In many studies KMC has been found more effective than incubator care for stable preterm babies in providing thermal care, reducing nosocomial infections, improving exclusive breast feeding & adequate weight gain beside enhancing mother & baby bonding & involving family in baby care at a much lower cost as compared to incubator care. It also shorten the hospital stay early & proper adoption of home care once the baby is discharged from hospital