Purpose: Exclusive breastfeeding is an integral component of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). However, the practice of breastfeeding in KMC position is often suboptimal. Hence, a Quality Improvement (QI) initiative study was conducted to improve breastfeeding rates while providing KMC. Materials and Methods: Fish bone analysis was used to identify the potential barriers, which were targeted to bring improvement through Plan-Do-Study-Action (PDSA) cycles. Eligible mother-infant (≥34 weeks) dyad who were admitted in Neonatal intensive care unit during the study period were enrolled in the study (n = 45). QI was implemented through two PDSA cycles. In the first PDSA cycle, training and sensitization of health care providers was done. In the second PDSA cycle, mothers were educated and trained for breastfeeding in the KMC position. Data were collected using bed side nursing charts and interviewing the mothers. Data were analyzed using run charts and SPSS software. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Percentage of mothers practicing breastfeeding in KMC position increased to 50% after first PDSA cycle and to 100% after the second PDSA cycle from the baseline of <10%. Average duration of KMC increased significantly from baseline 6.09 to 10.9 hours (p = 0.003) in first cycle and 15.6 hours in second cycle (p < 0.001). Conclusion: QI measures increased the rates of breastfeeding in KMC position. The total duration of KMC per day was also significantly increased.
Keywords: Kangaroo Mother Care; breastfeeding; quality improvement initiative.