Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care on Weight Gain, Thermoregulation, Breastfeeding Success, and Physiological Stability Among Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Preterm and low-birth-weight (LBW) infants have immature thermoregulatory, respiratory, feeding, and metabolic systems. They are at increased risk of hypothermia, poor weight gain, infection, feeding difficulty, and early mortality. Kangaroo mother care (KMC), which combines prolonged skin-to-skin contact with breast-milk feeding support and follow-up, is an evidence-based approach that can complement neonatal unit care. Aim: This review examines the effectiveness of KMC for weight gain, thermoregulation, breastfeeding success, and physiological stability among preterm and LBW infants, and outlines how a quasi-experimental study can evaluate these outcomes in clinical practice. Methods: Evidence was synthesised narratively from major clinical trials, systematic reviews, and World Health Organization guidance. The article does not report original participant data; the quasi-experimental framework is presented as a proposed study design rather than as completed research. Findings: Evidence indicates that KMC is associated with improved growth, reduced hypothermia and infection, higher breastfeeding rates, and lower mortality in appropriate clinical settings. Benefits depend on early initiation, duration, caregiver support, feeding adequacy, monitoring, and integration with routine neonatal care. Conclusion: KMC should be implemented as a family-centred component of care for preterm and LBW infants, with local evaluation using clear outcomes and transparent reporting. It does not replace urgent resuscitation, respiratory support, treatment of infection, or other indicated neonatal interventions.