Relationship between the kangaroo position and physiological stability and sleep-wake balance of premature newborns in the NICU and maternal perception

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The kangaroo position is a strategy of the Kangaroo Method that brings mothers closer to their children, promoting physiological stability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the physiological stability and sleep-wake balance of premature newborn from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in a public university hospital, as well as the maternal perception of the kangaroo position. METHOD: Observational study with analysis of qualitative and quantitative results. It developed between July and December 2017 at the NICU. Data were collected from the newborns' medical records. The physiological parameters and behavioral state of sleep wake scale, before and after 50 minutes in the kangaroo position. And the mothers answered 10 open questions about their feelings about skin-to-skin contact. RESULTS: 18 newborns were included and 10 mothers answered the interview. Prelatures maintained their heart rate (p = 0.28) and peripheral oxygen saturation (p = 0.77) within normal limits, body temperature showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) ranging between 36.5 and 36.7^o. Newborns changed their behavioral state and mothers noticed these changes during the performance of the kangaroo position and felt closer to them through skin-to-skin contact. CONCLUSION: Newborns positioned in a kangaroo on their mothers' thorax kept their physiological data stable and their body temperature showed a small increase within normal limits, showing that it is safe to be in the kangaroo position. The mothers realized that such an act brought them closer to their children, arousing positive feelings of joy, emotion and love, in line with what is recommended by the Kangaroo Method.