Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care Versus Hammock Positioning on Physiological Indices and Behavioral Organization Among Preterm Neonates: A Humanized Nursing Approach

A quasi-experimental, pre-posttests, research design was carried out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Specialized University Hospital . A sample of 90 preterm neonates were randomly assigned into three equal groups. The preterm neonates in the control group received the routine care of the NICU, which entails; encircling the neonate in a fetal position using rolled towel inside the incubator.

For the KMC group:

Researchers contacted the mother a day before applying KMC, and advised her to take shower and abstain from using perfumes before attending to the NICU. On days of KMC application, the researchers asked the mother to remove the upper clothes in a private room and put on an open-front gown and mask. The mother was assisted to sit in a comfortable chair with a soft backrest and footrest to prevent fatigue. Then, the preterm neonate was carefully put naked except for the head and diaper area on the mothers' bare chest with flexed arms and legs as in froglike position, and the head was turned sideways. The researchers wrapped and secured the mother's gown and put a blanket on the neonates' back to ensure neonatal thermal insulation. The mother was instructed to support the neonate's bottom with the right hand while supporting the head and neck with the other hand.

For HP group:

Researchers made a hammock by using a rectangular cotton cloth with ropes that passed through the circular openings of the incubator and tied on the upper part of it. After one hour of feeding, the preterm neonate was placed in a supine fetal position in the hammock where the head was supported in a neutral midline position by using rolled towel without neck hyperflexion or hyperextension. Moreover, the spine of the preterm neonate was supported while arms and knees were flexed.