A newborn weighing 1750 grams is delivered vaginally, cries immediately, and is haemodynamically stable. The postnatal ward nurse plans care according to RMNCH+A facility-level newborn interventions. Which intervention should be prioritised for this baby?
- A Incubator care in the neonatal intensive care unit for 4 weeks
- B Formula feeding every 2 hours to accelerate weight gain
- C Kangaroo Mother Care with continuous skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding ✓
- D Phototherapy as routine prophylaxis against hyperbilirubinaemia
Correct answer: C. Kangaroo Mother Care with continuous skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding
Explanation
RMNCH+A promotes Kangaroo Mother Care for stable low-birth-weight babies below 2000 grams: continuous skin-to-skin contact, support for exclusive breastfeeding, and early discharge with follow-up. Once the baby is stable and breathing spontaneously, KMC equals or exceeds incubator care for thermoregulation and weight gain. Routine phototherapy is unnecessary in a well baby, and formula feeding undermines breastfeeding establishment.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.