KMC by surrogate can have an effect equal to KMC by mother in improving the nutritional behavior and arterial oxygen saturation of the preterm infant: results of a controlled randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) by mother and her surrogate on nutritional behavior and physiological function of preterm neonates. METHOD: This study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted on 70 preterm infants admitted to the NICU. For the neonates of the intervention group, KMC was performed (by mother and surrogate) 3 times a day and the neonates of the control group received KMC by the mother 3 times a day for up to 4 days and 60 minutes each time. The primary outcome was to compare the effect of KMC by mother and surrogate on the feeding behavior measured by preterm infant breastfeeding behavior scale (PIBBS), and the secondary outcome was to compare the effect of KMC by mother and surrogate on physiological outcomes. RESULT: The score of the PIBBS in both groups increased significantly during 4 days, this difference was not significant between the groups. [Adjusted mean difference (95% Confidence interval), 0.66 (− 2.36 to 1.03), P = 0.438]. Within the group, among the physiological functions, only O2 saturation had significantly increased during the study. This increase, however, was not statistically different between the two groups. [Adjusted mean difference (95% Confidence interval), 0.102 (− 0.68 to 0.88), P = 0.761]. CONCLUSION: When the mother is unable to provide this type of care, it can be provided by the surrogate that is as effective as the mother in improving arterial oxygen saturation and the feeding behavior of the preterm neonates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20150424021917N10. Registered 22/04/ 2020