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  • Review
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28 May 2022

Review of Kangaroo Mother Care in the Middle East

and
1
Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
2
School of Community Health and Policy, Portage Campus, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Nutrients2022, 14(11), 2266;https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112266
This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women
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Abstract

Mothers and newborns have a natural physiological requirement to be together immediately after birth. A newborn has a keen sense of smell and will instinctively seek out the mother’s nipple and begin breastfeeding if placed skin-to-skin with her. This practice is known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). It was first suggested in 1978 and has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a means to ensure successful breastfeeding. It is well documented that KMC is associated with positive breastfeeding outcomes, particularly in cases where breastfeeding is exclusive and, on average, continued for 3 months or longer. Studies of infant nutrition and breastfeeding have shown the importance of immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between newborn and mother following vaginal birth. This practice is also recommended for mothers who give birth via cesarean section, once the newborn is stable. The rate of breastfeeding is still suboptimal in Middle Eastern countries, in light of the WHO’s recommendation that mothers should exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding for up to two years. To increase the rate of breastfeeding, practices should be promoted that have been shown to improve outcomes, such as KMC. However, little is known about this important practice in the region. The aim of this study was to shed light on KMC-related studies conducted in the Middle East between January 2010 and January 2022. Specifically, this review examines breastfeeding practice rates for the first 6 months of birth, and evidence of KMC practices, by country and type of study design. The research terms used for this review were “skin to skin”, “Skin to skin contact”, and “Kangaroo Mother Care”, focusing on “Middle East”, “Eastern Mediterranean”, “Arabian Gulf”, “Arab”, and “GCC”.

1. Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) [] has recommended that all healthy mothers and babies, irrespective of the planned infant feeding method and the delivery method, have uninterrupted skin-to-skin care starting immediately after birth for at least one hour. Furthermore, they recommend this practice to continue for the first feedings for those who choose to breastfeed.
Mothers and newborns have a natural physiological requirement to be together during the time immediately following birth. For example, newborns instinctively have a sensitive sense of smell, so placing the newborn skin-to-skin with the mother helps the baby to seek out the nipple and initiate breastfeeding.
Skin-to-skin care is a practice that aims to place the unclothed newborn on their mother’s bare chest immediately after birth, just dried and covered with a light blanket on the newborn’s back. Routine procedures and assessments are delayed during skin-to-skin care [,]. KMC or “Skin to skin contact” is of the practice of a mother carrying her newborn babies (neonate), and having contact after birth []. The neonate is enclosed in maternal clothing to maintain temperature stability. Ideally, KMC should be continuous for a long duration, but it is still helpful even for a short duration. This approach is effective with most babies, including premature infants and those who need respiratory support []. The KMC practice helps stimulate some behaviors that are required for the newborn’s biological and psychological basics needs. The practice activates the neuroprotective mechanisms as well as the neurobehavioral self-regulation.
Studies have shown that newborn babies who had experienced KMC had more stable blood glucose levels and oxygen saturation levels. In addition, their cardiorespiratory stability and thermal regulation were enhanced and their salivary cortisol levels were decreased. These babies generally cried less than other babies who did not experience the KMC practice []. This practice is also very supportive to the mother, as it enhances the release of oxytocin, the hormone that helps stimulate the mother’s feelings toward her newborn, and aids in contracting the uterus [].

The Gap

The Eastern Mediterranean region includes Arab countries, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan based, as designated by the WHO regional office []. There is no recent review on KMC in this region, which has experienced significant population growth and a high birth rate [].

2. Materials and Methods

Two independent research teams conducted an integrative review to examine the existing literature on KMC, and skin-to-skin practice among Middle East countries.

2.1. Eligibility Criteria

Eligible studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) KMC study of any design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) conducted in the Middle East Region, (2) a research design examining the relationship between KMC and breastfeeding practices, (3) written KMC studies in English, (4) use of an existing definition or new definition of KMC relevant to the country or the region, (5) use of existing criteria for breastfeeding practices based on WHO standards.

2.2. Information Sources

The research team initially conducted searches in PubMed, Health & Medical Collection, Health Management Database, Health Reference Center Academic, Nursing & Allied Health Database, Public Health Database, the World Health Organization’s regional databases, and Google Scholar between January 2010 and January 2022. The search key terms were “skin to skin” OR “Kangaroo care” OR “KMC” AND “Arabian gulf” OR “Middle East” OR “Eastern Mediterranean”. Due to scarcity of published articles on skin to skin, the ideal procedure followed was to include all peer-reviewed studies and reports published in the Middle East.

2.3. Risk of Bias

This research may not capture the entire scheme of KMC practices in the Middle Eastern region. However, the review of citations in eligible studies was the most effective way to locate other relevant studies from the initial search, as described.

3. Results

Table 1 shows exclusive breastfeeding rates in the Middle East countries according to the World Bank [,,]. Among the countries reviewed, breastfeeding rates for 6 months were under 25% for 9 countries (Algeria, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oma, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Yemen) while only 2 countries indicated a rate of over 50% (Afghanistan and Egypt).
Table 1. Middle Eastern countries and rate of exclusive breastfeeding.
Rates varied among gulf countries from 9.1% in Oman to 34% in the UAE and Bahrain.
Evidence of KMC practices was available for 12 of the 22 countries, including 2 gulf countries, namely Oman and Saudi Arabia. Other countries included were Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Turkey.
The suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding rates in Algeria and Tunisia in 2006 could be related to the study’s lack of knowledge among mothers on breastfeeding. Accordingly, the promotion of breastfeeding should be part of a general policy of public health in these countries. A more recent study in Algeria revealed the main action to improve breastfeeding is to inform women about the benefits and the superiority of breastfeeding, as well as the psychological preparation of the mother, which should ideally take place before and during pregnancy and also concerns the spouse [].
To date, thirty-two studies were eligible for review in this study (Table 2).
Table 2. Research on KMC (skin to skin) in the Middle East.
A range of study designs have been used during the period designated for this review; four quasi-experimental, two qualitative, two observational, four cross-sectional, and one case-control design were among the qualifying studies. We identified one prospective cohort study, two systematic reviews, and other review studies. Among all countries included in this research, Iran had the most active research profile with eight studies, including quantitative, qualitative, quasi-experimental, randomized controlled trial, and systematic review. Other countries had one or two different study designs to measure outcomes for KMC.

4. Discussion

Our aim is to describe research activities examining KMC in the context of breastfeeding practices in the Middle East. In 2016, a worldwide systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the association between KMC and neonatal outcomes. This review covered the Middle East region by screening the Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR), which describes KMC practice as a safe protective intervention in neonate health [].
In 2015, the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal published an article about the maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the Middle East, and included KMC as a protective factor from these health outcomes [].
Another worldwide review published in 2015 included five studies from North Africa and the Middle East. The study investigated barriers to implementing the KMC practice. The most common identified barriers were low awareness of KMC/infant health, pain and fatigue, lack of help in practicing KMC, lack of support from family members, friends, and others. The study concluded that mothers can indeed enjoy practicing KMC and understand its benefits. However, the practice remains difficult and still requires support from family members, friends, and healthcare practitioners [].
Of all Eastern Mediterranean countries, the majority of KMC studies were conducted in Iran. A validated questionnaire, called “The Mother-Newborn Skin-to-Skin Contact Questionnaire (MSSCQ)”, with 83 items to be used as measurement in clinical practice, midwifery, and nursing studies, was developed in Iran [].
A randomized case-controlled study conducted in Iran (2011) showed that KMC has been an effective intervention in reducing pain intensity in newborns undergoing painful procedures. The pain intensity was measured by scoring behavior changes using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Heart rate and oxygen saturation levels, as displayed on the pulse monitor, and duration of crying were recorded using a stopwatch []. Another randomized clinical trial study in Iran, aimed to evaluate the effect of KMC after cesarean section and the possibility of hypothermia in infants. This study showed that there is no risk of hypothermia after the KMC experience among infants born by cesarean section [].
Two randomized controlled trials in Iran examined outcomes of KMC combined with music. The first study focused on anxiety in mothers who delivered by cesarean section, and found that KMC combined with music was an effective way to reduce anxiety []. The second study focused on the impact on the mother to premature neonate attachment found that the combination of music increased the attachment compared to mothers who only used KMC [].
According to a clinical trial in Iran, the immediate implementation of KMC increased maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and led to an increase in the duration of exclusive breastfeeding []. A qualitative study was conducted using a focus group of consecutive mothers of premature newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. The results supported the previous study, in that mothers who practiced KMC had a longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding compared to other mothers []. Another study in Iran showed significant effects of daily KMC on the newborns. Before KMC, there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of the physiological parameters of the infants (heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation, and temperature). This study is of paramount importance as it indicates the effect of KMC on enhancement of physiological indices []. Hence, most of the studies conducted in Iran showed the positive effects of KMC in terms of increasing the success rate and duration of the breastfeeding; improving the neonatal weight gain and breastfeeding; decreasing the duration of hospitalization; and furthermore, the positive effects of KMC on maternal mental health scores [,].
A systematic review, including 25 studies published between 1990 and 2013, about the initiation of breastfeeding and the effects of KMC on breastfeeding rates (2016) included studies from South Asian countries. Of these studies, six were conducted in Pakistan and there were no eligible studies for Afghanistan. The studies from Pakistan concluded that barriers to initiating breastfeeding included were tiredness after delivery, cesarean section delivery, working mothers, and traditions []. A review of six South East Asian countries found that the mortality rate of Pakistani neonates was high (47.4/1000). The authors recommended following the recent WHO guidelines for implementing early KMC as low-cost interventions to reduce mortality rates [].
To increase the life expectancy of newborn babies in Pakistan, researchers recommend that basic measures and low=cost practice should be implemented []. A randomized controlled trial among Pakistani mothers was performed to assess the success in breastfeeding using the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). The results of this study are very significant in terms of the importance of early KMC practice in improving the success and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. This is mainly indicated as the practice reduced the time to initiating the first breastfeeding and time for effective breastfeeding [].
Barriers to KMC practice may include lack of KMC knowledge, attitude, and practices among parents of newborn babies; socioeconomic, cultural, and structural factors; the community’s beliefs and values concerning preterm and LBW babies; health professionals’ acceptance of KMC, as well as their motivation to implement practices; and shortage of supplies in healthcare facilities. Therefore, efforts to scale up and integrate KMC into health systems must reduce barriers to promote the uptake of the intervention by caregivers.
A report published in The Times, London, in 2014 about how families raise their children in Afghanistan, highlighted that the women face a cultural barrier in applying KMC as it is considered shameful []. Furthermore, some fathers felt ashamed of having preterm or LBW babies, and in turn blamed mothers for having those babies. In addition, a case study to evaluate the quality of health care facilities and improvement was conducted in Afghanistan and described the importance of high impact postpartum interventions such as KMC [].
A study in Israel assessed the effective frequency of exercising on bone strength among preterm babies. This study implemented the KMC practice with all participants for at least 30 min per day as part of intensive care unit recommendations [].
Several studies conducted in Arab countries focused on promoting breastfeeding and healthy maternal knowledge and practice in general, yet few of these studies focused on KMC practices.
In 2010, a study in Libya was published about the mortality and death rates among newborn babies in the neonatal intensive care unit of a local pediatric hospital. The study found that 63.1% of the deaths occurred during the early neonate phase, the most critical phase. These results support the early safe intervention of KMC to sick newborns []. A WHO report on Libya in 2017 [] showed that KMC is practiced in 23.1% facilities.
In Egypt, a quasi-experimental study evaluated the effect of KMC practice on premature infants’ physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes. The results showed that KMC practice positively affected premature infants’ physiological stability, behavioral organization, and enhanced psychosocial outcomes compared to those cared for by conventional caregivers. The study concluded with recommendations to implement an educational training program for all neonatal nurses []. Another study conducted at a university hospital in Cairo, Egypt, used a questionnaire among mothers to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding breastfeeding initiation. Results showed that breastfeeding practices were low despite the substantial knowledge about breastfeeding and its benefits among study participants. The authors recommended enhancing enhance vaginal delivery and prenatal classes, and implementing baby-friendly hospital initiative policies in the University Hospital []. In 2014, there was also a study in Egypt of the effect of KMC on cerebral blood flow. This study found that there was decrease in heart rate and an increase in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), as well in the mean arterial blood pressure, and SpO2 [].
In Palestine, a prospective cohort study was conducted from 2008 to 2011. The results found that younger mothers implement KMC practice more compared to older mothers, and mothers in general tended to show an interest in the advantages of practicing KMC [].
In Tunisia, there was a cross-sectional study that assessed the knowledge and practice of mothers towards breastfeeding. Implementing KMC increased exclusive breastfeeding to over 3 months [].
In 2014, a study in Iraq investigated and evaluated perinatal healthcare. Research showed that usually after birth, the mother and the baby were separated for more than 30 min, which led to a diminished opportunity to practice KMC [].
In countries in the Arabian Gulf, only two studies focused on KMC. The first, a case-controlled study in Oman (2012), focused on the effects of breastfeeding on autism. The study found that breastfeeding and KMC both stimulate oxytocin secretion. This, in turn, leads to enhanced emotional bonding between mother and the baby, reduces stress, and induces calmness []. A cross-sectional study estimated the rate of skin-to-skin contact and described mothers’ perceptions and experiences of immediate skin-to-skin contact after vaginal birth in Saudi Arabia []. The study concluded positive responses to KMC practices and shorter separation between mother and child.
In the UAE, health authorities and the Ministry of Health encourage baby-friendly hospitals. A breastfeeding campaign called “Enaya” was launched in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD). This campaign supports the mothers regarding breastfeeding, and provides help with breastfeeding practices in the first half hour after birth [].

5. Conclusions

The results of this review provide a broad overview of existing literature on KMC and skin-to-skin practice among Middle East countries. Several studies on KMC were conducted in Iran, while few studies on the topic exist in Arabic countries, and especially Arabian Gulf countries. The results were not uniform, which made it difficult to draw general conclusions on the evidence at present. This itself is evidence that additional and ongoing research is necessary to describe KMC in the various countries that make up the diverse Middle East. Additional research describing socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables that may impact a mother’s ability to practice high-quality and effective breastfeeding practices is necessary.

6. Recommendations

Increased research about KMC in Middle Eastern countries will provide answers for effectively implementing health promotion programs to increase breastfeeding practices, which are shown to have great benefits and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality for newborns.

Author Contributions

Z.T. contributed to the design of the study, data collection, screening, and interpretations of results. Z.T. and L.W.-S. contributed to the analysis, interpretations of results, and manuscript writing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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