Prematurity represents a significant challenge for neonatal health, being one of the main causes of neonatal mortality in Brazil. Around 12% of births in the country are premature, putting these newborns at high risk of complications, such as infections, respiratory and neurological problems (Brazil, 2016). Kangaroo Care, introduced in 1979 by pediatrician Dr. Edgar Rey Sanabria in Colombia, offers an innovative approach to the care of premature newborns, emphasizing skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby to promote the health and development of neonates.
Physiological impacts of M é todo Kangaroo
The skin-to-skin contact provided by the Kangaroo Mother Care has shown positive results in the thermal stability of premature newborns. Studies indicate that this practice helps maintain the baby’s body temperature within an ideal range, reducing the need for incubators and promoting a safer and more stable environment for newborns (Conde-Agudelo and Díaz-Rossello, 2016). Furthermore, the method is associated with a significant reduction in nosocomial infection rates. Nyqvist et al. (2017) reported a decrease in the incidence of sepsis among newborns undergoing Kangaroo Care, attributed to the strengthening of the babies’ immune system, facilitated by close contact with the mother.
Neurobehavioral Development
The Kangaroo Mother Care also has notable benefits for the neurobehavioral development of newborns. Feldman et al. (2014) observed that babies who received Kangaroo care showed significant improvements in cognitive and motor development tests at 12 months of age, compared to those who did not receive this type of care. Constant skin-to-skin contact promotes more efficient sensory integration and a more robust emotional response, contributing to healthier and more balanced development.
Breastfeeding
Practicing the Kangaroo Mother Care facilitates exclusive breastfeeding, which is essential for the health of the newborn, offering essential nutritional and immunological benefits. Charpak et al. (2016) highlight that babies who participate in the Kangaroo Mother Care have significantly higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at three and six months of age. Direct contact with the mother stimulates the baby’s sucking reflex and promotes milk production, contributing to better weight gain and faster recovery from low birth weight.
Mother and Baby Bond
The constant physical contact promoted by the Kangaroo Mother Care is crucial for building a safe and robust emotional bond between mother and baby. Studies show that this physical closeness results in a more intense and stable emotional connection, reducing the risk of postpartum depression in mothers and improving overall emotional well-being (Lawn et al., 2014). Furthermore, the method facilitates emotional regulation for both the baby and the mother, providing comfort and safety through physical contact.
Conclusion
Kangaroo Mother Care is an effective intervention for improving perinatal care, especially in resource-limited settings. Evidence shows that this practice reduces neonatal mortality, reduces infection rates, promotes breastfeeding and increases weight gain in premature newborns. Furthermore, the method strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby and improves the health indicators of newborns. Therefore, widespread adoption of the Kangaroo Mother Care is recommended to maximize its benefits and improve the quality of life of premature newborns and their families.
Reference :
FERNANDES, ACS, ANDRADE, AVT, DARSAUT, BO, BARRETO, BT, & RODRIGUES, PLA (2024). The kangaroo method and its impacts on premature newborns: an integrative review. Contributions to Social Sciences, 17(8), 01-14. DOI: 10.55905/revconv.17n.8-001.
