Kangaroo Mother Care and Post Natal Depression: What Are World Leading Experts and Parents Saying?

World leading experts in both pregnancy and postpartum depression have been looking very seriously at the cause and effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on the depressive illness known as PND for some years. By all accounts it would appear that the general consensus from the experts is that the technique can be extremely effective in reducing the onset of PND in new moms.

Arising from the way that Kangaroos care for their newborn Joey for around four months after birth, in a pouch positioned just below the mother's chest, KMC is about skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn baby. This same technique used immediately after childbirth for women, is having a resounding effect on both Mothers and their newborn baby's. In relation to PND, The increased hormone known as Oxytocin is thought to be at least partially responsible for the reduction in symptoms associated with PND.

Looking at the various studies that have been conducted over the years, it would be safe to say that the concept of KMC is working wonders in reducing and eliminating the stress and anxiety often experienced by new mom's. It does not matter if Kangaroo Mother Care is done intermittently or continuously, the benefits are amazing. This of course, in turn reduces the number of women, men and families suffering, as a result of postnatal depression.

There is no disputing from experts or mom's alike, that KMC definitely helps the bonding process between mother and baby, and this bonding process starts the very moment that a baby is conceived. It is also being shown and accepted that Kangaroo Mother Care reduces the symptoms often associated with PND, as much as KMC enhances the physiological stability in the baby. Interestingly, through KMC a Mothers growing awareness of her newborn baby's cues contributes to the possibility of sustained breastfeeding.

Studies have shown that there are no unwanted side effects from the implementation of KMC. Furthermore, KMC enhances bonding as well as reducing the symptoms of PND. These are just a few of the reasons why and the benefits of the introduction of KMC as soon as possible after birth. The great thing about introducing KMC immediately is that it does not interfere with further procedures that may be necessary after giving birth and should in most situations be the priority. Most procedures can be carried out unhampered by baby being skin-to-skin with mom. Kangaroo Mother Care should not only be introduced as soon as possible and there is also room for dad and other siblings to get involved in this process.

Study and research has been carried out around the world and in various demographics. People from both ends of the economic spectrum have been involved in Kangaroo Mother Care research, and there seems to be no apparent discrepancy in the benefits discovered. So, Kangaroo Mother Care is for every baby and every parent regardless of your location in the world.