Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at Mabwepande District Hospital in Tanzania

Since its establishment, the NCU has admitted a total of 78 newborns, including six premature babies. Remarkably, all premature infants were safely discharged without complications, and they await the admission of a baby who weighs less than 1.5 kilograms. Immediate and positive gains since the establishment of the NCU has helped reduce the workload on staff and minimized unnecessary referrals to regional hospitals, as most essential services can now be accessed within the facility.

One of the most impactful developments within the neonatal care unit has been the introduction of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). By promoting skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their newborns, KMC helps regulate body temperature, supports healthy weight gain, and strengthens the bond between mother and child.

Supporting and Motivating Mothers in KMC

To ensure mothers feel comfortable and engaged in providing Kangaroo Mother Care, the hospital has prioritized creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Healthcare staff offer continuous encouragement and emphasize the benefits of KMC, including its role in maintaining warmth, promoting weight gain, and facilitating earlier discharge.

The facility has also introduced several maternal support measures, including providing storage cabinets for mothers, KMC-friendly uniforms, and a dedicated handwashing station with running water and liquid soap to maintain hygiene. Babies in the KMC unit undergo twice-daily assessments, with their vital signs and weight monitored regularly to track progress.

Each morning, mothers participate in educational sessions covering topics such as the benefits of KMC, proper hygiene, feeding techniques, and how to recognize danger signs in their infants. Feeding rates, KMC duration per day, and the output of each baby are carefully documented to ensure optimal growth and development. For premature babies, post-discharge follow-up clinics are held weekly to provide continued care and support for families.

Despite the success of KMC, its implementation has come with challenges. One of the key issues is the shortage of essential supplies such as KMC wraps and feeding cups, which are critical for ensuring that babies receive proper warmth and nutrition. Additionally, privacy within the KMC unit remains limited due to the lack of curtains, although the hospital management is actively working to address this concern. Another major challenge is the absence of KMC-specific educational materials such as posters and video resources, which are essential for increasing awareness and empowering mothers with the knowledge they need to care for their babies effectively.

Recognizing these challenges, NEST360 Tanzania has committed to working closely with the facility to provide support in addressing some of these gaps.