The effect of kangaroo mother care of newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia on breastfeeding

Abstract

Background: Phototherapy used in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia may have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) applied to newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia on breastfeeding. Methods: This was a non-randomized experimental study with a control group. The study was conducted with 54 neonates (30 control group, 24 experimental group) who met the inclusion criteria. Under the researcher's supervision, the experimental group received KMC twice during hospitalization, with each session lasting for 1 h, during which phototherapy was temporarily interrupted. Results: The KMC group had a significantly higher number of breastfeeding episodes, pre-discharge LATCH score, defecation, and a significantly shorter duration of phototherapy compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: KMC applied to newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia was found to increase breastfeeding, the LATCH score, and defecations, and decrease the phototherapy duration. © 2024