Neonatology Unit
This unit is under pediatrics where new born children between the age of 0-28days (whether premature or term) with various pathologies are hospitalized and taken care of. The kangaroo project started at the BRG in October 2019 by, “Foundation kangaroo”. The BRH is a pioneer centre for this project. This project has an aim to improve the outcome of premature (born before term i.e. before 37 completed weeks of gestation) and low birth weight infants. (Born with a birth weight 2500g) by reducing their morbidity and mortality through kangaroo mother care. Kangaroo mother care is care provided to premature or low birth weight babies through skin-to-skin contact with the mother (or other relative like father, grandmother, aunt etc).
It has four main components which include:
- Kangaroo position: where the baby is placed between the mother’s breasts in a “kangaroo bag”, and his/her neck just extended to enable proper breathing. The baby exposed as much as possible to increase contact between baby and mother (or relative)
- Kangaroo nutrition: consists of exclusive breastfeeding either directly or indirectly (through syringe, cup or spoon)
- Kangaroo support: support provided by the family and health care providers to encourage the mother to practice kangaroo mother care. This includes physical and emotional.
- Kangaroo discharge: includes continuous provision of kangaroo mother care even out of the hospital. The children are then followed up to the age of 2yrs to minimize future health challenges.
Among the benefits of kangaroo mother care area the following:
- Increased bond between mother and child.
- Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and hence the benefits that come with it.
- Reduced risk of infection.
- Generate heat from the mothers’ body thereby having normal temperature.
- Reduced death