Using Kangaroo Care in a Clinical Setting with Fullterm Infants Having Breastfeeding Difficulties

Abstract

Usually Kangaroo Care (KC) or skin-to-skin holding care is done with preterm infants. This article, however, documents clinical experiences with three mothers and their fullterm infants who were having latching/breastfeeding difficulties. In each case the nurse placed the fullterm infant in KC for approximately 1 hour prior to and continuing into the next breastfeeding session. Although no recommendations can be made based on case studies, these clinical experiences suggest that KC is a worthwhile intervention to try when a mother and her fullterm infant are struggling to achieve successful breastfeeding.