Improving Post-discharge Weight Gain Among Neonates received Kangaroo Mother Care: Two Years Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: “Kangaroo Mother Care” is an effective alternative care strategy for preterm and low birth weight babies. It also causes substantial reduction of neonatal mortality due to hypothermia. Objective: To observe the status of ongoing kangaroo mother care service in a tertiary care hospital and its outcome. Material and method: This retrospective study was carried out over the period of 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2022. Newborns who received kangaroo mother care in neonatal intensive care unit and postnatal ward of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the study period, were enrolled in this study. Results: A total of 384 (97% of eligible candidates) newborn received kangaroo mother care. Kangaroo mother care was provided both in Neonatal intensive care unit (86% of total admission) and also in the postnatal ward. Mean gestational age was 32.02+2.85 weeks (28 weeks-41 weeks) and mean weight of starting KMC was 1367.48 g (730 g – 1970 g). Average age of initiating KMC was 6 days (ranging from 1 to 13 days of age). Mean duration of providing KMC was 6 hours and 50 minutes. More than two third (74.4%) patients came for follow up. During each follow up, an increasing trend was observed regarding weight gain and mean weight gain was 15.9+1.2 g/ kg/day. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care was provided to most of the eligible patients and persistent weight gain was observed among all KMC candidates after discharge.