Kangaroo Mother Care

Keeping premature infants alive is a challenge for doctors. Babies with low birth weights are often placed in the warm environment of an incubator, where they remain until they have gained weight. In developing lands, however, overcrowded facilities, poor sanitation, and a shortage of medical personnel and equipment often result in dangerous cross infections

A doctor in Colombia came up with method that seems to alleviate this problem. How does it work?

When baby is born prematurely, it is cared for in the standard way until its condition stabilizes. In the meantime, the mother receives training in child care. When the baby is sufficiently healthy, the mother becomes a living incubator. How? By keeping her baby close to her, wrapped vertically between her breast. Safe in its kangaroo like pouch, the baby stays warm and can easily be fed its mothers milk. Hence, the method is often called kangaroo mother care.

No fancy equipment is necessary. The mother wears a suitable blouse or a normal dress with a waistband. When the baby has gained sufficient weight, the mother and baby can go home, returning to the hospital regularly for checkups.

Preliminary research indicates that kangaroo mother care is effective and safe. Furthermore, it seems to promote a closer bond between infant and mother. And not surprisingly, the method has been adapted for use in many countries actually and becoming more recognizable at present.
In certain place like Mexico , they trained relatives to become kangaroo fathers, grandparents and even sisters to help out mother needs a well deserve break. This was been use since 1992 by them and they said it was seen very effective as it is. how good is that! fewer incubator and much less hospital time are needed.

source:Awake