The effect of kangaroo mother care on weight gain pattern in low birth weight premature babies at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract Background: Premature infants are at high risk of death. They need specialized incubatory care which is very costly and requires skilled workforce and specialized equipment. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) does the same job with no cost and does not require set-up as for incubatory care. It can prevent mortality and morbidity and also promotes bonding between mother and child. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the effect of KMC on weight gain pattern in low birth weight premature babies compared to incubatory care. Materials and Methods: A nonrandomized experimental study was carried out among 200 premature infants. They were divided into two groups of 100 each. Randomization was not done. One group was given KMC. The second group was given incubatory care. The weight of babies in both groups was measured with a digital weighing machine. Both groups were followed till the 9 th day with a follow-up frequency of days – 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. On each follow-up day, weight was recorded. Results: Both groups were comparable for gender, birth weight, and gestational age. In the KMC group, there was significant weight gain on day 2 compared to day 1 and on day 7 compared to day 6. But weight gain on day 3 compared to day 2 and on day 9 compared to day 8 was not significant. In the non-KMC group, there was significant weight gain on day 3 compared to day 2 and on day 9 compared to day 8. From 2 nd day to 9 th day, each day weight gain in the KMC group was higher compared to the non-KMC group. Conclusion: We conclude that the KMC significantly improved weight gain on a daily basis. The KMC also improved the weight gain compared to that of the non-KMC group. Hence, we recommend to create awareness among the community at all health-care levels and among health-care professionals on the benefits of KMC/the importance of KMC.