Effect of rooming-in kangaroo mother care on breastfeeding and behavioral status of full-term newborns.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of rooming-in kangaroo mother care (KMC) on the breastfeeding and behavioral status of full-term newborns.

Materials and methods: Full-term newborns born from June to December 2021 were divided into Group A (n = 50) and Group B (n = 50) using a random number table. The rooming-in routine nursing intervention and KMC were given to Group A (n = 50) and Group B, respectively. The outcomes were compared.

Results: The scores of breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding skills, and sense of responsibility for breastfeeding of Group B were higher than those of Group A (p < 0.05). The breastfeeding rate and lactation yield within 3 days of Group B were higher than those of Group A (p < 0.05). Compared with Group A, Group B had higher effective sucking times of newborns and lower behavioral status scores 1, 2, and 3 days after birth, and shorter duration of crying after invasive operation (p < 0.05). The newborns in Group B had better sleep quality, longer sleep time, and lower procedural pain score than those of Group A (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Rooming-in KMC improves the maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding rate, and lactation yield, ameliorates the behavioral status and sleep quality of newborns, shortens the crying time and relieves the procedural pain.