Systematic review of kangaroo care

Abstract

This paper explores the research surrounding kangaroo care, also known as kangaroo mother care (KMC) or skin to skin contact (SSC). Kangaroo care consists of prolonged skin to skin contact, and usually breastfeeding if applicable, between the newborn and participating parent right after the birth of the newborn. Components of this systematic review involve and detail the benefits of kangaroo care in regards to newborn vital signs, weight gain, analgesic effects, bonding, mortality rates, psychological and behavioral effects, and paternal kangaroo care. Various sources and studies, all published within the last five years, were compiled to complete this systematic review. Several sources in this systematic review give an international perspective of kangaroo care and were used in order to demonstrate the widespread use of this inexpensive, nonpharmacological intervention for newborns post-delivery. Further recommendations for research are also included in this paper. Recommendations were made based on current research results, conflicting research results, or complete lack thereof.