Effects of kangaroo contact on some physiological parameters in term neonates and pain score in mothers with cesarean section

Effects of Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been shown for pre-term infants, however KMC has not been studied adequately in term newborns. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Kangaroo contact (KC) on some physiological parameters in term neonates and pain score in mothers with cesarean section (C/S) in Fatemiye hospital of Shahrood (Iran). In a randomized clinical trail, 160 mother-infant dyads divided in two KC and routine care (RC) groups. KC was done three 60 min/day for two consecutive days. After cesarean section, pain intensity was determined with verbal numeric analog scale (0-10 score). Temperature was observed in four sets for each neonate. Infant’s reflexes scores, neonatal jaundice and urine cortisol of neonates were compared between two groups. Mother’s satisfaction was recorded before discharge of hospital by checklist. Both groups were similar regarding to all baseline variables. A significant increasing in temperature was observed in half an hour (36.8 vs 36.6 ºC, P<0.05) and just before discontinuing KC (an hour after initiating KC) (36.9 vs 36.6 ºC, P<0.001). Pain score in mother after C/S (6 vs 7.8, P<0.001), number of sever crying (5.6 vs 12.3, P<0.05) in hospital and urine cortisol before discharging were lower than RC group (388.4 vs 471.3 µ/24 hours, P<0.05,) There was no significant differences in jaundice and mean of reflexes score in neonates. Overall, perception of mothers was positive toward KC. This study provides evidences showing that using KC had beneficial effects for both mother and infant. In addition, in order to prevention of the complications due to separation of neonates from their mothers in C/S, skin to skin contact as a routine care is recommended in cesarean section unites in Iran.