Initiating kangaroo mother care in urban slums: a pilot intervention

Abstract Objective: Launching the introduction of kangaroo mother care (KMC) for low birth weight (LBW) babies in designated slum communities within the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation region, and documenting the effects of this program on critical indicators such as the percentage of mothers embracing KMC, the average length of KMC, the early initiation of breastfeeding, and the encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: In the slum area of Bhiwandi, situated in the Thane district under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, we selected 1000 households. We identified LBW babies who born in this locality, and our field team conducted home visits. During these visits, families and mothers were guided on administering in-home care to these infants, emphasizing KMC. Subsequently, we monitored these infants for factors such as weight gain, breastfeeding initiation, the adoption of KMC, and the duration of KMC provided. Results: As of December 2021, we identified 100 instances of LBW infants. Of these, 95% received KMC, 46% received KMC for 6 h, and 42% received KMC for durations between 6 and 12 h. A total of 67% of these infants showed improvements in their weight. For 66% of the infants, breastfeeding was initiated within the first hour, and 69% were exclusively breastfed for the initial 6 months of life. Conclusion: The results highlight the significant potential for improving the adoption of KMC by maintaining regular home visits, delivering guidance to families and mothers, and ensuring continuous care for LBW infants. In addition, this approach contributes to a greater likelihood of early breastfeeding initiation and elevated exclusive breastfeeding rates.