Resources for Nurses

Kangaroo Care is a method of skin-to-skin contact between infant and parent which allows for maintenance of body temperature and stability of vital signs while providing the infant with a loving and safe environment. The infant is held against the parent’s skin with a blanket around him or her and with a cap on to maintain warmth. By providing parents with this unique opportunity to have close physical contact with their premature infants, nurses can give a human touch to a very technical place. Please visit our page on Research Summaries to read about the studies that support Kangaroo Care.

What does Kangaroo Care mean to nurses?

Nurses are an integral part of any patient’s hospital experience. Often satisfaction with total care given is based upon the patient’s perception of care given by his or her nurse. In no other setting is this concept illustrated more clearly than in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In the high-tech and high stress environment of the NICU, nurses search for ways to help parents and families feel more at ease and promote a bonding experience.In this situation is where Kangaroo Care can be invaluable. Not only is Kangaroo Care beneficial to the infant, it is also cost-effective, which is a major concern for health care providers.

Helping parents bridge the gap!

In most studies done on Kangaroo Care, parents assert that the attitudes and encouragement of nurses determined whether or not they would participate in the program. Often the NICU and its staff are seen as busy, noisy, and sterile to families who feel like intruders in this unfamiliar setting (Neu, 1999). With positive reinforcement and support from nurses, more parents will feel competent and at ease with their premature infants and will establish an earlier and stronger bond.

Is Kangaroo Care safe for a premature infant?

Numerous studies have been conducted in tertiary neonatal care settings which have shown no significant differences in physiological variables from infants who only had incubator care. Each hospital or care center will have guidelines and criteria to determine which infants are considered right for Kangaroo Care. Factors such as weight, respiratory status, and neurological status are often examined. However, in 1994, at least 34 intensive care nurseries in the United States allowed infants on ventilators to participate in Kangaroo Care as well (Neu, 1999). Nurseries throughout Western Europe and Canada have used Kangaroo Care for years and it has become a standard practice.

How you can help your tiny patient and the family with Kangaroo Care!
 

• Provide privacy for parents and infants when they are giving Kangaroo Care
• Express positive attitudes about Kangaroo Care when speaking with families
• Offer to assist and provide encouragement
• Inform parents when their participation improves the infant’s status

We have formulated summaries on several research studies conducted in the area of Kangaroo Care. Although the practice of skin-to-skin contact has existed for many years, more research on the physiologic aspects of the intervention need to be conducted before Kangaroo Care can be introduced into general practice in the care of preterm infants.
(Please consult your agency's protocol for the care of preterm infants)
 
 

How to Initiate Kangaroo Care in Neonates 1. Place the neonate on a warm resuscitation unit and dry thoroughly. 2. A skin temperature probe should be placed on the neonate’s abdomen and the right costal rib margin at the midaxillary      line. Secure this under a mylar shield. 3. Clear airway and complete APGAR. 4. Place cap on neonate’s head and diaper. 5. Make sure physician knows Kangaroo Care is being initiated. 6. Place neonate skin-to-skin, chest-to-chest, with head up against mother or father. Cover both baby and parent with a     loose blanket. 7. Check to make sure all monitors are intact and working.  8. Allow neonate to breastfeed per hospital protocol. 9. Record infant’s behavior and physical responses every 15 minutes for the first hour. Continue to check temperature      every 15 minutes. 10. To end the Kangaroo Care session, swaddle infant and gently remove from mother/father’s chest. 11. Document neonate’s response to Kangaroo Care.

 

International Network for Kangaroo Mother Care

Nursing Tips

References