Work of Breathing and Kangaroo Mother Care

The Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on Work of Breathing Indices and Oxygen Saturation Stability in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

To compare work of breathing and oxygen saturation before, during, and after kangaroo mother care in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants stable on non-invasive respiratory support.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Very low birth weight infants (those less than 1500g at birth)
• Respiratory insufficiency
• >4d PMA
• Stable and receiving non-invasive respiratory support for ≥12 hours (NC, HFNC or CPAP)
• Requiring ≤40% supplemental FiO2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants with skeletal, neuromuscular or abdominal surgical disorders that may affect the accuracy of work of breathing measurements
• Infants who do not meet criteria to participate in kangaroo mother care