Mothers' experiences and perceptions [of] Kangaroo Mother Care during hospitalization of their preterm babies in an academic hospital in Johannesburg
Date
2008-10-03T13:09:26Z
Authors
Tarus, Titus Kipchumba
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to understand the mothers lived experience and perception
towards 24-hour Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) during hospitalization of their preterm
babies. A qualitative design was used and phenomenological methods used to collect
data. Nine in-depth unstructured interviews were with purposely-selected participants.
The meaning of their experience was analyzed using Collaizzi’s (1978) steps to
phenomenological data analysis. Data analysis revealed major three themes: (a) “it is a
bond between me and my child” (b) nurse-parent interaction, and (c) “it is tiring and
exhaustive”. However, the study found that all the mothers in spite of exhaustion,
reported some high level of satisfaction with KMC because it allowed them to be closer
to their babies. hence giving them the opportunity to observe their growth and become
fully involved in the care. KMC was additionally noted have provided a comforting and
warm environment for the babies, thus enabling them to grow faster and this in turn
increased maternal satisfaction. Recommendation was made regarding further research
preferably quantitative study to establish relationship between production of breast milk
and the use of KMC. The principle of 24-hour KMC should also be incorporated and
emphasized in all levels of educational training as this practice has been found to have
numerous benefits both to the mothers and to their preterm babies.
Description
Keywords
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Johannesburg