Experiences of Parents on Kangaroo Mother Care in the Neonatal Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:Kangaroo mother care is a practice used to care for premature infants and low birth weight babies. It has been endorsed by the World health organization as a cheap and reliable method of reducing neonatal mortality. It is widely practiced and has gained popularity in Kenya. Objective:The study aimed at exploring experiences of parents on Kangaroo mother care in the neonatal clinic at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Study methodology:This was a qualitative study. Seventeen participants were recruited from parents who had practiced kangaroo mother care. Sampling was purpose. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Common themes were identified iteratively. Results:Three major themes emerged from the analysis: Normalization of birth experience, need for commitment and enabling the practice. The participants reported that they were afraid and worried about their babies survival before initiation into KMC. However during KMC, they became more confident as they participated in provision of care to their infants. Participants associated reduction of infections, provision of warmth and faster growth to improved infant survival with KMC. Most felt that KMC required a lot of commitment for its benefits to be realized and at times, this could cause interuptions in daily lives. Majority reported that they received enough support from their families and health team. Conclusions: KMC has been positively perceived by parents especialy in relation to their involvement in care. However, KMC requires a lot of commitment for benefits to be realized. Having a conducive environment and support are essential for KMC practice. Recommendations: Expectant mothers attending the antenatal clinic should receive Health messages to promote awareness on KMC practice. Institutional recommendations included, provision of entertainment to mothers, review of meal time, one baby per incubator and deploy a doctor throughout in Kangaroo ward.