Difference Between Swaddling and KMC - Pros and Cons of Each for Newborn Care

The first few weeks after delivery can be very new and scary for newborn babies, and of course, their proud parents. Special care needs to be given both to the mother and baby to ensure that they recover properly from the delivery experience. Swaddling and Kangaroo Mother Care are two different mothering practice choices commonly used and discussed among mothers and infant care experts. So, what are the differences between both choices and which should you practice?

Swaddling

Swaddling is a technique used to care for newborns by wrapping the baby snugly and tightly in cotton muslin cloth or blankets. While it may provide warmth and artificial comfort for the baby, enabling the baby to sleep for longer periods of time, it has multiple risks. The risks involved in swaddling are:

• Overheating of the baby when wrapped in multiple layers of cloth.


• Hip dysplasia can occur during infant development.


• Pressure on the lungs created by tight swaddling poses the risk of lung infection.

However, if your baby feels distressed due to the free movements of his arms and legs, swaddling is a good way to provide a cosy atmosphere and calm the baby down.

Kangaroo Mother Care

Kangaroo Mother Care or KMC is a mothering practice choice practiced worldwide today to provide natural healthcare to mothers and newborns. It is complementary to high tech neonataology, and is used to stabilize premature or underweight infants. Exclusive breastfeeding (instead of milk formulas) and skin to skin contact with the mother as a natural incubator are all incredibly simple and natural practices encouraged by KMC. KMC is effective because inherent in nature's design is the best system of physical and emotional healing that a mom can provide to her infant.

Breast milk is the best nutritional food you can ever provide for your baby. It contains important nutrients and immunization properties which helps strengthen the baby's immune system. Breastfeeding also allows the baby to develop a strong bond with you as a mom, while stabilizing your moods and increasing your rate of recovery from the delivery process. The multiple benefits of breastfeeding make it one of the most important post delivery practices for mothers and infants who lack other health support services. It is nature's best way of protecting both the mother and the infant. Accompanied by skin to skin contact between mother and baby, these two basic practices provide a conducive environment for newborns to develop when they are in an extremely vulnerable state.

The only reason some moms choose not to give KMC to their babies is due to a lack of time. Breastfeeding can be physically exhausting especially for modern mums with many other responsibilities and concerns. However, the benefits of KMC and exclusive breastfeeding make these mothering practices worthwhile choices which are highly rewarding for both mom and baby. It is the best thing you can do for your newborn child.