International Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), also known as Kangaroo Care (KC), Day aims to raise awareness about this life-saving practice and promote its implementation worldwide. This year’s theme, “In your arms, I thrive,” emphasizes the beneficial effects on newborns, both in terms of physical and neuropsychological development.
KC is an evidence-based practice with many positive outcomes for both newborns and parents. The WHO’s 2022 recommendations for the care of preterm or low-birth-weight infants include KC as a key pillar, along with exclusive breastfeeding and timely protected discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
It is essential to enhance the practice of KC, starting within the first 24 hours of the newborn’s life and aiming for more than 8 hours per day. The WHO (2023) outlines strategies to improve KC implementation across all country settings, beginning with the education of healthcare professionals, and emphasizing parental involvement and empowerment.
PNAE thanks all the skilled and competent nurses who care everyday for preterm or other high-risk infants and their families, promoting early and prolonged KC.
Immacolata, Katrin and Barbara
