Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the effectiveness of the Kangaroo Mother Care practice in preterm infants. I decided to develop this topic because although this practice is beneficial to both the newborn and the family, it is not always applied due to family distrust or because specific neonatology departments provide different indications. The literature review revealed that the Kangaroo Mother Care practice in preterm infants is effective in improving outcomes in terms of cognitive and neurological development, increasing parental involvement in early care of their baby, and last but not least, promoting the staff well-being.
Because their organs are not yet fully developed, premature babies can run into many problems. They may have difficulty breathing, maintaining body temperature, feeding themselves, or more easily, they can face other complications such as jaundice, anaemia, retinopathy and brain haemorrhages. This is the reason why it is of paramount importance to stabilize their conditions, favour their development and allow a more intimate contact with the mother. The Kangaroo Mother Care practice, indeed, allows these babies to compensate for their premature birth by experiencing a more intimate contact with their mother, recreating a little bit the intrauterine environment. As a matter of fact, the memory of the sounds and smells that accompanied the babies during the pregnancy helps them to grow and thrive. The role of nurses is essential in this practice, as parents need to be instructed so that they can be more relaxed and prepeared in dealing with their child. Several studies have shown how positive the presence of parents in the NICU is, which is why we should try to increase their involvement in the neonatal unit.