Agusan Sur health professionals promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for preterm, low birth weight infants
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Health professionals from the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur underscored the importance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for preterm and low birth weight infants during the Department Information Officer (DIO) Hour program aired by DXGP Agusan Radio of the Provincial Public Information Office (PPIO) on February 2.
DOPMH was chosen as the pilot hospital in the region to implement the Care for Small Babies (CSB) program, which includes the promotion of KMC for infants born prematurely or weighing below 2.5 kilograms. These infants, generally referred to as ‘small babies,’ are considered highly vulnerable, with a higher mortality rate compared to normal-weight infants.
KMC is a method of care where the infant is held upright in prolonged skin-to-skin contact with the bare chest of the mother or a substitute caregiver. The position resembles that of a kangaroo carrying its young in its pouch, hence the name. The practice serves as a natural and cost-effective alternative to incubators, especially in facilities facing equipment shortages.
Doctor Cherrylin A. Bala-an, CSB team leader of DOPMH, explained that KMC can be performed by mothers regardless of their background, and in cases where mothers are unable, other family members may step in.
“What is good about KMC is that it can be done by all mothers regardless of their education, culture, or religion. And should mothers be unable to perform such, especially in cases wherein the mother is also under intensive care, other members of the family may perform the KMC to the small babies,” Bala-an said.
She emphasized that KMC offers multiple benefits, including thermoregulation, improved bonding, and stabilization of the baby’s heart rate. Babies in the position also tend to move less, reducing the risk of weight loss. For mothers, the constant contact provides a calming effect, stimulates breastmilk production, and helps reduce postpartum complications.
“Unlike in cases wherein babies are placed in incubators for a certain period of time and nurses are left to care for them, in KMC, the mother and the substitute caregivers gain the confidence to handle and care for the baby themselves,” Bala-an added.
Aida B. Pido, nurse at the DOPMH neonatal intensive care unit, shared their best practices in teaching mothers and families how to properly perform KMC.
“At first, we observe that there are instances wherein they find it hard to execute the position during KMC. However, with our constant guidance and monitoring, we are happy to see them learn and effectively perform the KMC during their second and succeeding days in the hospital and even after they are discharged,” Pido said.
She noted that the advocacy extends beyond hospital walls, as health workers continue to educate and encourage parents to practice KMC at home until their babies reach the target weight.
“We make sure to get the parents’ commitment to continue performing the KMC to their small babies to expedite their graduation from the program. As soon as the babies reach the weight of 2.5 kilograms and above, we already consider them as CSB graduates,” Pido added.
Through the CSB program, DOPMH aims to strengthen neonatal care and empower families in Agusan del Sur to actively participate in safeguarding the health of vulnerable infants. (NJGD, PIA Caraga a report from PPIO Agusan del Sur)
