Hospitals across the Western Cape are promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a simple but effective method that helps improve outcomes for premature and low birthweight babies. KMC involves prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a parent and baby.
Mortality
The practice helps stabilise a newborn’s temperature, breathing and heart rate, while supporting weight gain, breastfeeding and brain development. “KMC reduces mortality and infection rates while improving temperature regulation, weight gain, and cognitive development,” said Sister Melanie Holland, Nursing Manager at Mowbray Maternity Hospital.
“Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding serve as powerful forms of pain relief, providing important neuroprotective benefits during this vulnerable stage of development. Importantly, KMC is not only for mothers, fathers are encouraged to participate, as close contact with a loving parent helps regulate a baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature, strengthens bonding, and supports healthy brain development.”
Prematurity remains one of the leading causes of infant complications worldwide, and healthcare workers are placing renewed emphasis on early interventions such as KMC.
Professor Gugu Kali, head of the Clinical Unit: Neonatology at Tygerberg Hospital, said KMC is a cornerstone of neonatal care. “KMC is an essential part of our neonatal care package, which has been shown to improve outcomes for preterm and low birthweight babies. We practise both intermittent and full-time KMC, and we encourage parents to do it as soon and as often as possible after birth.”
At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, KMC is embraced as both a clinical intervention and a family-centred philosophy of care. “KMC is not just a clinical model; it is a philosophy of care that places dignity, compassion, and family partnership at the centre of everything we do,” said Mitzi Franken, Head of Nursing.
Active role
For many families, KMC offers a way to play an active role in caring for their baby during what can be an emotional and overwhelming time. Louise Galant from Villiersdorp, mother of twin girls Kemique and Lunique, born on 14 March, said the experience has been meaningful. “I love bonding with them this way. It makes our bond stronger and also helps them grow quicker.”
The twins were born weighing just 870 grams and 950 grams.
Groote Schuur Hospital has also strengthened its KMC services, offering parents emotional and psychological support, follow-up care and access to a multidisciplinary team. “KMC forms part of a holistic care model that supports both the medical and emotional needs of families,” said Sister Cindy Louw, Operational Manager of the hospital’s Neonatal and KMC Unit.
ALSO READ: WC nurses honoured for compassion and care on International Nurses’ Day
