GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Hospitals across the Western Cape are uniting to promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a simple yet powerful, evidence-based approach that continues to transform outcomes for premature and low birthweight babies.
Kangaroo Mother Care, which involves prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their baby, plays a vital role in improving health outcomes for newborns, particularly those requiring hospital care.
The practice supports better growth and development, stabilises vital signs, improves long-term outcomes, and offers a safe and effective way to manage pain in infants.
“KMC reduces mortality and infection rates while improving temperature regulation, weight gain, and cognitive development,” said Sister Melanie Holland, Nursing Manager at Mowbray Maternity Hospital.
“Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding serve as powerful forms of pain relief, providing important neuroprotective benefits during this vulnerable stage of development. Importantly, KMC is not only for mothers, but fathers are also encouraged to participate, as close contact with a loving parent helps regulate a baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature, strengthens bonding, and supports healthy brain development.”
As prematurity remains one of the leading causes of infant complications worldwide, healthcare providers are placing renewed emphasis on early interventions such as KMC to improve survival and overall well-being.
According to Professor Gugu Kali, Head of Clinical Unit: Neonatology at Tygerberg Hospital, KMC is a cornerstone of neonatal care.
“KMC is an essential part of our neonatal care package, which has been shown to improve outcomes for preterm and low birthweight babies. We practise both intermittent and full-time KMC, and we encourage parents to do it as soon and as often as possible after birth.”
At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, KMC is embraced not only as a clinical intervention, but as a philosophy of care that centres families in the healing process.
“KMC is not just a clinical model; it is a philosophy of care that places dignity, compassion, and family partnership at the centre of everything we do,” said Ms Mitzi Franken, Head of Nursing.
For many families, KMC also provides a meaningful opportunity to actively participate in their baby’s care during what can be an overwhelming and emotional journey.
Louise Galant from Villiersdorp, mother of twin girls Kemique and Lunique, born on 14 March 2026, shared her experience:
“I love bonding with them this way. It makes our bond stronger and also helps them grow quicker.”
Born weighing just 870 grams (Twin A) and 950 grams (Twin B), the twins’ early care highlights the critical role that KMC plays in supporting vulnerable newborns.
Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) continues to strengthen neonatal and maternal health outcomes through the implementation of comprehensive KMC services that extend beyond clinical care to provide holistic, family-centred support.
This approach includes:
- Active family-centred care, involving parents in their baby’s recovery
- Follow-up care and developmental support through strengthened referral pathways
- Emotional and psychological support for parents throughout the neonatal journey
- Access to a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including nurses, doctors and allied health professionals
“KMC forms part of a holistic care model that supports both the medical and emotional needs of families,” said Sister Cindy Louw, Operational Manager at the GSH Neonatal and KMC Unit.
As hospitals across the province continue to champion this life-saving intervention, the message remains clear: simple, human-centred practices can have profound and lasting impacts on the survival and development of newborns.
“Heart to heart is the best start.”
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