Get to know babies born prematurely and care for kangaroo mothers

Premature birth occurs when the baby is born before the expected birth day, especially at the age of less than 37 weeks. Premature birth is associated with various complications that can cause disability and death, such as respiratory problems, difficulty eating, regulation of body temperature that is not perfect and a high risk of infection.

Not only is the function of the baby's organs immature, but babies born prematurely can also suffer from stress and behavioral problems. In healthy infants, postnatal behavior depends on the organization of an integrated and complex nervous system (neurobehavior). But in premature babies, this system is often disrupted.

Care of premature babies is very important. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, premature baby care centers are limited. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a method of managing premature babies that can be a solution. KMC was introduced for the first time more than 30 years ago in Bogota, Colombia, to replace the incubator function. Besides being able to be carried out in a place without comprehensive medical facilities, this method can reduce disability and premature infant mortality, while facilitating the process of exclusive breastfeeding.

What is Mother Kangaroo Care?

Based on WHO recommendations, care given to kangaroo mothers includes:

Premature babies with stable conditions are immediately placed in skin-to-skin contact (skin contact) in the breast of the mother.
Done continuously and as long as possible
Exclusive breastfeeding or breastfeeding
Leave the hospital early after driving KMC to the hospital under supervision
Forward KMC at home, with family support and medical staff assessments

WHO recommends the use of KMC in routine care for babies weighing 2,000 grams or less. KMC can be started as soon as the baby's condition is stable.

Under the supervision of competent medical personnel, the mother can carry out CMK from birth and stabilize the baby. The baby is held in an upright position, placed in the middle of the mother's chest, skin to skin, the baby's head is turned over, and the baby's body is covered with a blanket or mother's clothes.

To help support the baby's body, an appropriate scarf can be used. The duration of the KMC session varies, with an average of 1 to 3 hours per session. During the session, the baby's vital signs are monitored. In this position, the mother can always breastfeed with the baby's position in a sling. Mothers can also do KMC on twins at the same time. Baby's father or other family can replace the mother while practicing KMC.

Benefits of KMC Care
Various benefits are obtained for babies born prematurely through KMC care, namely:

Heart rate, breathing, and body temperature are more stable
Baby's sleeping habits are better
When they wake up, babies are more alert and responsive, and more difficult
Deaths due to premature birth are lower
Reducing the risk of serious diseases and infections
Reduce length of stay in hospital
Make a connection between mother and baby
Help the process of exclusive breastfeeding, extend the period of breastfeeding and increase the amount of breast milk
Support the growth and development of infants

When held in the mother's chest, the baby hears a heartbeat, feels the rhythm of breathing and the warmth of the mother's body. This is very useful for the stimulation of the baby's nervous system, especially for the development of the auditory system, touch, balance and temperature regulation. This not only reduces the baby's stress level, but also reduces the baby's perception of pain.

Baby care at the NICU is often a source of stress for parents and may be able to disrupt the relationship between mother and baby, because babies must be treated separately. The KMC method is beneficial not only for babies, but also for mothers. Mothers who have successfully implemented KMC are more confident in caring for their babies, feel they need and are more empowered in their role as mothers.

The role of KMC in the care of premature babies is very important and effective. In addition, fathers and mothers can also play an active role in caring for babies born prematurely.