‘KANGAROO’ CARE BOOSTS CHANCES OF PREMATURE BABIES, SAYS WHO

LONDON—Babies born too early or too small should be kept in “skin-to-skin” contact with a caregiver rather than being put in an incubator straight after birth to improve their chances of survival, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The new guidelines around “kangaroo mother care” mark a significant shift from current protocols for premature babies and the UN health agency’s earlier advice. The guidelines are also particularly pertinent for births in areas with poor access to technology and reliable electricity, the WHO said.

“These guidelines show that improving outcomes for these tiny babies is not always about providing the most high-tech solutions,” said WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The guidelines apply to all infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or under 2.5 kilograms in weight, except for babies that need breathing support, mechanical ventilation or are in shock.

Kangaroo care involves wrapping premature or tiny newborns in a sling worn by a caregiver, usually the mother, instead of separating them from their parents straight after birth to provide care.

New research has shown that starting kangaroo care and encouraging breastfeeding immediately, rather than after the babies are stable, could save up to 150,000 lives a year.

WHO said the change required a rethink of how tiny babies are cared for, including more support for families to remain with their infants.