Effects of the kangaroo mother care method on growth patterns and breastfeeding in preterm and low birth weight infants. A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: each year, approximately 30 million children are born under high-risk conditions worldwide, including newborns facing complications due to prematurity. The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method has been associated with favorable outcomes in growth patterns and breastfeeding among preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of the KMC method on growth patterns and breastfeeding in preterm and low birth weight infants.

Materials and method: a literature review was conducted using articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese databases from 2010 to 2023. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included, focusing on preterm newborns and/or low birth weight infants that compared growth and human breastfeeding outcomes between the KMC method and conventional care.

Results: a total of 155 articles were found, and 15 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 13 studies that evaluated growth patterns, 11 reported positive effects of the KMC method on weight, body length, mid-upper arm circumference, and head circumference. Two studies found no significant differences in body length and head circumference. Additionally, 8 out of the 15 studies described higher breastfeeding rates and earlier initiation of breastfeeding, along with greater feeding readiness and improved sucking patterns.

Conclusion: the KMC method appears to have positive effects on the growth of preterm and low birth weight infants, and it also increases the rate of human breastfeeding compared to conventional care methods.