Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is known to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. In preterm neonates, KMC is usually initiated only after stabilization.
Aims: We aimed to assess if early initiation of KMC starting within the first week of life is safe, and reduces the time to full feeds (TFF) in preterm neonates.
Study design: Prospective cohort study.
Subjects: Preterm neonates (Gestation ≤ 34 weeks, Birth weight ≤ 1250 g). This was studied in two epochs, (epoch 1) which was before early KMC vs. epoch 2 which was after implementation of early KMC even if they needed respiratory support, with umbilical/central lines in situ.
Outcome: The primary outcome of the study was time to establish full feeds (TFF) of 150 ml/kg/day.
Results: The neonatal demographic characteristics were comparable between epoch 1 and epoch 2 except for lower gestational age, higher surfactant, and any respiratory support in epoch 2. On univariate analysis, early KMC significantly reduced TFF (12.5 vs. 9 days, P < 0.001). Feed intolerance, duration of parenteral nutrition were significantly reduced, and discharge weight Z score improved significantly in epoch 2. On multivariate regression analysis early KMC, exclusive mother's own milk feeding and blood culture-positive late-onset sepsis were important predictors of TFF. Early KMC was safe and well-tolerated.
Conclusion: Early KMC was safe and associated with reduced TFF and other nutritional benefits in moderately ill preterm neonates.
Keywords: Early KMC; Neonate; Skin to skin contact; Time to full feeds; mother's own milk.
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