Representatives of major US and international health professional associations will endorse a joint statement recommending the universal use of “kangaroo mother care,” or KMC, for all preterm and low birthweight infants.
KMC refers to the practice of the mother (or other caretaker) carrying the newborn in early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and exclusive breastfeeding or feeding with breastmilk. According to the World Health Organization, KMC can help reduce illness and deaths due to prematurity during the first days and weeks when babies are at their most vulnerable.
The on-the-record press event will be held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, from 9:30 to 11 am. The event will call attention to the effectiveness of KMC in improving long-term health outcomes for premature and low birthweight babies – even those in high-income countries like the United States.
In addition to speakers from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), a representative from Children’s National Health System will talk about the KMC program she leads, and a parent will talk about how KMC helped his premature baby.
The event is open to all. Please RSVP to John Engels at jengels@savechildren.org, or call 301.821.2829.
What: On-the-record presentation and Q&A with senior representatives of professional associations and a parent of a premature infant whose live was saved through use of KMC (kangaroo mother care)
Who
- Sara Berkelhamer, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- Kate McHugh, American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
- Natalia Isaza, neonatologist at Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
- Mark Hogsett, parent of premature baby who benefited from kangaroo mother care
- Mohammad Shahidullah, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh (by video)
- Bina Valsangkar, Save the Children
When: Tuesday November 15, 9:30–11 am EDT; coffee and refreshments served at 9 am
Where: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC; Metro stop is Metro Center
How: For more information, contact John Engels at jengels@savechildren.org or 301.821.2829