DOES KANGAROO MOTHER CARE IMPROVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES? A SINGLE INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE ON HEALTHY TERM NEONATES

Early initiation of breastfeeding following birth has several advantages such as weight gain, improved immune status and better development. However, for exclusive breastfeeding to be successful, appropriate latching is necessary. Several studies across the globe have noted that improper feeding techniques have resulted in early breastfeeding cessation.Kangaroo mother care is a tool to help provide skin-to-skin contact, especially in preterm infants, to develop bonding, prevent hypothermia and allow adequate breastfeeding. KMC is seldom practiced in healthy term neonates. However, we propose that KMC can help improve breastfeeding practices in this subgroup of infants. The aim of this study is to compare the LATCH scores in term neonates that receive KMC (group A) and dont receive KMC (group B).