Consistent and close skin-to-skin contact between mothers and low-birthweight newborns reduces risk of death during their first month of life by 32%. Pediatricians at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences conducted a meta-analysis of 31 trials using this so-called kangaroo medical care. Their technique also reduced the risk of severe infection by 15%.

This close cuddling technique should be initiated as soon after birth as possible as mortality for premies and low birthweight newborns is greatest in the first 24 hours.

https://gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/8/6/e010728.full.pdf
https://www.aap.org/en/aap-global/immediate-kangaroo-mother-care-ikmc/

#kangaroo #kmc #premies #lowbirthweight #mortality #kangaroomothercare