Women's experience with the Kangaroo Method

Abstract

This study sought to capture women's understanding of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) carried out by them and elucidate the contradictions between the reality lived and availability to carry out KMC. The setting was the Sofia Feldman Hospital, in Belo Horizonte. The subjects for the research were 15 women from the KMC Unit. To collect data a semi-structured agenda interview was used. The results revealed the dimensions of the mother-woman/mother kangaroo woman, expressing her multiple feelings in the process of adaptation to the reality of a premature baby and dedication to KMC. They indicate the ways professionals can work in assisting the mother-woman/kangaroo-mother and her child.