EFFECT OF EARLY SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT (KANGAROO MOTHER CARE) ON NEUROBEHAVIORAL RESPONSE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN TERM NEWBORNS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Introduction: Skin to Skin Contact (SSC) or early Kangaroo mother care (KMC)is an important modality to facilitate the adaptation of the neonate to the outside world. Studies have revealed that the benefits of KMC are documented not only in preterm babies but also term neonates. This study was planned to assess the effect of SSC on neurobehavioral response and physiological parameters in term newborns. Materials and methods : It was a prospective randomized controlled study conducted over two yearson 80 eligible term neonates. The study group (40) received early SSC in the labour roomand the control group (40) received standard perinatal care.Neurobehavioral response was assessed by the modified Brazelton behavioral assessment scale and for physiological parametersaxillary temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure were determined. Results: Analysis suggested that babies receiving early SSC had better and stable physiological parameters and neurobehavioral responses as compared to newborns who received routine care. Conclusions: Our study revealed that instituting early KMC/ SSC immediately after birth is beneficial adaptation of term newborns both in regards to physiological and neurobehavioral responses