[Comparative study of two methods of holding premature infants: the kangaroo method versus the traditional method]

Abstract

This study compared two methods of holding preterm infants: 1) the kangaroo, or skin-to-skin method (K) and 2) the traditional method, or normal handling (T). Skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were monitored during both the kangaroo and the traditional handling methods. After testing with the two methods, the mothers indicated their satisfaction and preference. Sixty-one pairs of mothers and babies were tested once with the K method and once with the T method. The first method tested was determined at random: 50% began with K and 50% with T. Skin temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate were similar with both K and T methods. Whereas oxygen saturation was significantly lower (92.8% vs 90.5%, p < 0.0001) under the T method, time of testing was longer (29.5 min vs 25.3 min, p = 0.02) for the K method than for T method. In summary, the findings suggested that mothers preferred the K method because the cold stress factor was avoided, oxygenation was better maintained, and mothers felt closer to their infants.