Impact of kangaroo care on circadian rhythm, growth, physiological stability in premature infants, and cortisol and melatonin levels in maternal breast milk: A randomized controlled trial.
MidwiferyJul 13, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPediatrics
Fatma Ertürk, Sibel Küçükoğlu
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of kangaroo care (KC) on sleep-wake cycles, growth, physiological stability, and maternal breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels in 36 premature infants. The study found that KC significantly improved physiological parameters such as heart rate and oxygen saturation (p < 0.05), but did not affect infant body weight or breast milk hormone levels.
Key findings
- KC significantly improved BIS values, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature (p < 0.05).
- No significant changes were observed in infant body weight after KC (p > 0.05).
- Maternal breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels showed no significant changes following KC (p > 0.05).
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of kangaroo care on physiological stability and sleep-wake cycles in premature infants can inform neonatal care practices, potentially enhancing outcomes in this vulnerable population.