Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Kangaroo care (KC), has been shown to promote healthy development for both
pre-term and full-term infants, and to improve mother-infant bonding (Ludington-Hoe,
2011; Charpak et al., 2005). Current research on the maternal benefits of kangaroo care is
scarce, primarily focuses on early KC, and is mostly qualitative in nature (Fegran,
Helseth, & Fagermoan, 2008; Matos et al., 2010). The present study examined the effect
of late KC on maternal behaviors, sensitivity, and mother-infant interactive mutuality
when infants were 3 months of age. Mothers who used kangaroo care as directed were
found to have greater bonding scores and less anxiety about caring for their infants as
measured through the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Kangaroo care was also found
to have an effect on mothers’ ability to effectively calm their infants after an arm restraint
task. Further research on the usefulness of late intermittent KC with full-term infants is
needed.
pre-term and full-term infants, and to improve mother-infant bonding (Ludington-Hoe,
2011; Charpak et al., 2005). Current research on the maternal benefits of kangaroo care is
scarce, primarily focuses on early KC, and is mostly qualitative in nature (Fegran,
Helseth, & Fagermoan, 2008; Matos et al., 2010). The present study examined the effect
of late KC on maternal behaviors, sensitivity, and mother-infant interactive mutuality
when infants were 3 months of age. Mothers who used kangaroo care as directed were
found to have greater bonding scores and less anxiety about caring for their infants as
measured through the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Kangaroo care was also found
to have an effect on mothers’ ability to effectively calm their infants after an arm restraint
task. Further research on the usefulness of late intermittent KC with full-term infants is
needed.
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