title: Intermittent kangaroo mother care: a NICU protocol.
abstract: The practice of kangaroo mother care (KMC) is steadily increasing in high-tech settings due to its proven benefits for both infants and parents. In spite of that, clear guidelines about how to implement this method of care are lacking, and as a consequence, some restrictions are applied in many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), preventing its practice. Based on recommendations from the Expert Group of the International Network on Kangaroo Mother Care, we developed a hospital protocol in the neonatal unit of the Institute for Maternal and Child Health in Trieste, Italy, a level 3 unit, aimed to facilitate and promote KMC implementation in high-tech settings. Our guideline is therefore proposed, based both on current scientific literature and on practical considerations and experience. Future adjustments and improvements would be considered based on increasing clinical KMC use and further knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davanzo
authors.forename: Pierpaolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brovedani
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Travan
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crocetta
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sanesi
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Strajn
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Cunto
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000592:standards*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007558:Italy; D060127:Kangaroo-Mother Care Method / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
keywords: breastfeeding; kangaroo mother care; neonatal intensive care unit; preterm; protocol; skin-to-skin care