JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Preterm infants ≥34 weeks and ≥1800g, term infants with non-invasive ventilation and infants ≥34 weeks and ≥1800g with congenital anomalies are systematically separated from their families at birth.

Objective:

To implement immediate kangaroo mother care from birth for sick newborns.

Methods:

Preterm infants ≥34 weeks and ≥1800g, term infants with non-invasive ventilation and infants ≥34 weeks and ≥1800g with congenital anomalies that did not require urgent medical or surgical attention were included. They were excluded if advanced resuscitation or at medical discretion. Patients were maintained skin-to-skin for 120 minutes, preferably with the mother. They were then transferred skin-to-skinto their destination unit.

Results:

60 newborns were included. The median kangaroo time was 120 minutes (120-120 minutes), 100% of the was spent with the mother, even when respiratory support was required. Early separation was more frequent in patients with heart disease and the main cause was the neonatologist's concern. In no case were hypoglycemia or temperature instability the cause of separation, and no incidents were observed during kangaroo care, either at birth or during transport. In patients who were separated, skin to skin transport was less common, as was latching to thebreast.

Conclusions:

Kangaroo mother care during the first 120 minutes of life in newborns,even with respiratory support, is a safe and feasible practice.