Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is defined as early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and preterm baby, exclusive breastfeeding, early discharge after hospital-initiated KMC with continuation at home, and adequate support and follow-up for mothers at home [1]. The World Health Organization issued recommendations for the care of preterm infants, including KMC, in 2015 [1]. Globally, the Every Newborn Action Plan emphasizes KMC as an essential component of neonatal health initiatives [2].

KMC has been identified as a useful and effective intervention for improving the outcomes of preterm infants. Compared with conventional care, KMC reduced mortality by 40%, sepsis by 65%, and hypothermia by 72% [3]. It also reduced the incidence of severe illness and lower respiratory tract disease, hypoglycemia, and hospital readmissions [3]. Moreover, KMC increased weight, length, head circumference, breastfeeding, maternal satisfaction, and maternal-infant attachment [3,4]. It also led to beneficial neurodevelopmental, behavioral, social, cognitive, and emotional outcomes [5]. However, limited national adoption and implementation of KMC was observed, and its global coverage remains low [6]. In addition, there are significant variations in the onset and duration of skin-to-skin contact, holding position, essential equipment and supplies, discharge criteria, follow-up frequency, indicators and measurement, and medical personnel requirements [6].

Various studies have emphasized the importance of understanding the barriers to and enablers of KMC at 3 levels, namely, with respect to healthcare providers, caregivers, and facilities, for its successful launch and implementation [7-9]. The International Network on KMC suggested proper training for clinicians, adherence to protocols, and the creation of a welcoming environment for families as key elements for effective implementation of KMC [7]. In a multicountry study, including KMC in the preservice curriculum and service training and providing training to other healthcare administrators were facilitating factors for implementing KMC [8]. In a qualitative study, the respondents highlighted the importance of ensuring availability of equipment, supplies, facilities, modified patient ward, and quality of services, as well as proper training as critical prerequisites [9]. Bonding, social support, sufficient mother-infant bonding time, medical concerns regarding the health of the mother or the newborn, availability of KMC and social context were identified as main themes affecting the interaction between families and KMC intervention [10].

Based on a descriptive survey performed in Korea, the major barriers to practicing KMC by nurses were infant safety concerns and the workload of nurses, with 61.1% of the nurses in 67 neonatal intensive care units adopting KMC [11,12]. The respondents (31.3%) who had practiced KMC were more knowledgeable and positive in their outlook towards KMC [12]. The availability of educational programs and development of KMC practice guidelines are recommended [11].

A recent qualitative study assessing knowledge and perception regarding KMC among healthcare providers in 2 district hospitals in Indonesia that the healthcare providers believed that low birthweight infants in incubators could not be treated with KMC and that KMC could be practiced only if a special gown was used to hold the baby. The author attributed this perception to a lack of formal training in KMC, which led to misunderstandings, although the healthcare providers had sufficient knowledge about KMC. However, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution. First, KMC was based on skin-to-skin contact between the mother and preterm baby, and the health-related knowledge could have been insufficient. Second, since 1997, the Indonesian Society for Perinatology has been training healthcare providers through workshops in 17 cities within 16 provinces; by the end of 2013, 73 KMC courses were offered to 2,190 medical professionals [13]. In 2009, the Indonesian Ministry of Health provided 3 batches of regional healthcare providers with KMC training courses including training materials, maintenance of records and checklists, and other tools for health personnel [13]. However, knowledge regarding KMC was mostly gained through observation, the respondents’ own experience, or from pediatricians, indicating the interruption in accessing national KMC training in Indonesia. Third, various aspects concerning the barriers to and enablers of KMC at the 3 aforementioned levels must be considered in the implementation of KMC. However, this study included only training aspects tailored to healthcare providers.

In conclusion, KMC should be applied and adopted nationally as a premature infant care strategy. Well-trained motivated healthcare providers, required KMC guidelines for facilities, and the establishment of communities of KMC participants are necessary for the successful implementation of KMC. By analyzing the barriers to and building solutions based on national situations, KMC should be integrated into the healthcare system, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.