Background: The term Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is derived from practices similar to marsupial care. It is an alternative to conventional neonatal care for LBW babies. Main components of KMC are- Skin to skin contact between mother and baby, exclusive breast feeding, early discharge and follow up. The advantages of KMC are, it reduces the overall mortality of the baby, increases the confidence and self-esteem in mother and bondage between mother and baby. Aim and Objective: To assess the weight gain in low birth weight babies with KMC care. Methodology: It is a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. All new born babies less than 1800 grams weight, accepting oral feeds are included in the study. After initiation of KMC, mother was instructed to record the duration of KMC practiced. Baby’s weight is monitored at the time of enrolment, daily in the morning and at time of discharge. During this study period baby is also monitored for complications like hypothermia, apnea, sepsis and jaundice. If any complications arise baby is withdrawn from the study and necessary intervention is done. KMC is continued till discharge of baby. Results: Significant weight gain is observed in babies with proportionate to the duration of KMC practice. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care for low birth weight babies is the need of the hour for better survival and better quality of life.

Keywords: Marsupial care; Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC); Hypothermia; Apnea; Sepsis; Jaundice.