Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in LBW infants--a western Rajasthan experience.
OBJECTIVE
This study was taken to study the various beneficial effects of KMC in LBW babies.


METHODS
50 LBW babies (birth weight> 2 kg) two who delivered at Umaid Hospital, RIMCH Jodhpur included in this study and they have given KMC 4-6 hours/day in 3-4 settings. Maternal & Neonatal characteristics and complications prospectively recorded.


RESULTS
Of 50 LBW babies enrolled, M:F ratio was 1.5:1 and mean birth weight was 1.487 +/- 0.175 kg. The mean age at which KMC started was 4+/-1.738 days. The mean weight gain was 29 +/- 3.52 g, mean age of discharge 23.6 +/- 3.52 days and mean duration of hospital stay was 15.5 +/- 11.3 days.


CONCLUSIONS
KMC is effective and safe in stable preterm infants and as effective on traditional care with incubators. KMC because of its simplicity may have a place in home care of LBW babies.
Gupta
Mukesh
M
Department of Pediatrics, Regional Institute of Maternal & Child Health, Umaid Hospital for Women and Children, Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, India. mukeshg4@yahoo.com
Jora
Rakesh
R
Bhatia
Ravi
R
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain