BENEFÍCIOS DO MÉTODO CANGURU E OS DESAFIOS PARA SUA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO NO BRASIL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.948162501089

• Palavras-chave: Método Canguru, Recém-Nascido Prematuro, Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal.

• Keywords: Kangaroo-Mother Care Method, Infant, Premature, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal.

• Abstract: This literature review aimed to analyze the benefits of the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method and identify the main challenges to its implementation in Brazil. KMC is a neonatal care strategy that promotes skin-to-skin contact between premature or low-birth-weight newborns and their parents, with positive impacts on the development and survival of these infants. The review included national and international studies, as well as technical documents from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, revealing consistent evidence that KMC contributes to reducing neonatal mortality, strengthening mother–infant bonding, increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates, and improving the neurological and physical development of the child. Psychosocial benefits were also identified, such as reduced postpartum depression and increased maternal confidence in caregiving. However, full implementation of KMC still faces significant barriers, including structural limitations in neonatal units, lack of continuous professional training, insufficient resources, and weaknesses in coordination between levels of care. These challenges highlight the need for integrated public policies, investments in infrastructure, and family support strategies, ensuring that the benefits of KMC extend from the hospital setting to the home and community.