Every newborn deserves to be able to enjoy the beauty of life.
Unfortunately, half of the deaths of children under 5 years old occur in the first 28 days of life. This highlights a “window” of opportunity where powerful targeted interventions can have a significant impact. Kangaroo Mother Care can prevent many of these deaths.
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for the infant and the mother. The World Health Organization strongly suggests that exclusive breastfeeding is a vital practice for infants during their first six months. Kangaroo Mother Care is a method that encourages mother-baby skin-to-skin interaction. This helps support and maintain breastfeeding.
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for the infant and the mother.
Why KMC is important
KMC is a method of care for a newborn that involves constant skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, frequent breastfeeding and good hygiene. Exclusive breastfeeding can be a wonderful gift a mother gives to her baby. The KMC approach is a remarkable way to improve the experience of mother and child. The concept of immediate KMC, where the baby is placed directly on the mother's chest after delivery.
KMC is proven to have a positive effect on the growth and development of babies. It also helps improve breastfeeding rates and increases mothers' satisfaction. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery can help improve breastfeeding rates.
Which of the following surprised or excited you the most?
We face a crucial challenge: ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality KMC. The WHO recommended KMC more than 20 years ago. Yet global coverage remains woefully low. The immediate KMC is practically non-existent. It is essential to implement KMC immediately as it strengthens both the mother-baby bond and the baby's nutrition through exclusive breastfeeding. We can help mothers establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding by integrating immediate KMC into the postpartum phase.
Skin-to-skin contact is the foundation of a strong building.
KMC promotes intimacy and maintains a stimulating environment by allowing skin-to-skin contact. The physical intimacy immediately following birth creates an emotional bond between mother and baby. KMC helps the baby feel secure. This promotes a feeling of attachment and trust once the child enters the new environment. The breastfeeding relationship is strengthened and the foundation for successful exclusive breastfeeding is laid.
The oxytocin link: Stimulate milk production
Oxytocin “the love hormone” is released during skin-to-skin KMC. Oxytocin is crucial for breastfeeding. It triggers the ejection reflex which promotes milk production. Oxytocin is a hormone that increases milk production. The higher the flow of oxytocin, the richer the breast milk. Skin-to-skin contact is maintained during KMC sessions. This not only helps regulate the infant's body temperature but also strengthens their immune system.
Improve latching and feeding technique
The newborn's instinctive reflexes to root and suck are stimulated by placing the infant on the chest immediately after delivery. KMC improves an infant's ability to latch effectively and encourages improved feeding techniques. Skin-to-skin contact makes it easier for the infant to latch on to the breast.
KMC offers babies the opportunity to learn through their natural instincts and intimacy. This results in better breastfeeding techniques and more efficient and comfortable feeding. Optimal sucking and latching of the baby during KMC sessions will also improve milk transfer and provide the infant with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is released during skin-to-skin contact during KMC.
Confidence in motherhood and emotional well-being
KMC immediately after birth promotes mothers' emotional and mental well-being, both crucial for maintaining exclusive breastfeeding. KMC's intimate experience in bonding and breastfeeding success can help a mother believe in her abilities to care for and nourish her child.
The mother is more likely to continue breastfeeding if she feels confident and satisfied with her child. Another interesting feature of KMC is its ability to increase the mother's awareness and responsiveness to her infant's hunger cues.
Community Empowerment Lab
Community Empowerment Lab is an Indian organization focused on innovation and research in global health. It has its roots in Shivgarh. CEL focuses on the development and evaluation of multidisciplinary, innovative and integrated solutions to improve maternal, newborn and child health.
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