Short Spell Kangaroo Mother Care and Its Differential Physiological Influence in Subgroups of Preterm Babies

摘要

In routine practice, 4–6 h of kangaroo mother care (KMC) is adopted. Many mothers feel the duration impracticable. In 86 preterm babies, pre and post 1 h KMC changes in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), axillary temperature and SpO₂ are measured, in each baby. Postnatal age at the time of the study is 7.7 ± 5.2 days. Significant changes observed are decrease in mean HR by 3 bpm, RR by 3 min−1 and increase in mean axillary temperature by 0.4 F and SpO₂ by 1.1%. In SGA babies, post KMC decrease in mean HR by 5 bpm, increase in mean axillary temperature by 0.6 F and SpO₂ by 2.1% are significant. In female babies, post KMC decrease in mean RR by 6 min−1 and increase mean axillary temperature by 0.3 F and SpO₂ by 1.5% are significant. We conclude that preterm babies are benefited by 1 h KMC. SGA and female preterm babies showed different and greater response.