The Effect of Kangaroo Care on Mother-Infant Bonding
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Authors
Clark, Sydney
Haley, Jessica
VerHow, Jorien
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
This presentation aims to explore the impact of kangaroo care on the attachment between mother and infant. Kangaroo care is a practice involving skin-to-skin contact with the infant placed on the mothers bare chest. Positive maternal attachment produces a secure attachment that promotes the proper physical and emotional development of the infant, along with increased maternal adaptations to psychiatric stress. Research shows that mothers who engage in kangaroo care demonstrate significantly higher levels of maternal-infant attachment compared to those in control groups. When comparing the attachment before and after the implementation of kangaroo care, the intervention group shows a statistically significant difference (P=0.001) compared to the control group (P=0.877). Kangaroo care is a simple and cost-effective intervention. It provides a calming effect due to the release of maternal oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels. Additionally, it encourages effective body temperature regulation of the infant. Given these findings, routinely implementing kangaroo care in clinical practice could strengthen the maternal bond with their infant, therefore enhancing the health and well-being of mothers and their babies.