Factors affecting weight gain velocity in preterm infants getting kangaroo mother care in hospital and after discharge from neonatal intensive care unit

Background: Preterm neonates with low birth weight are at heightened risk of suboptimal postnatal growth. kangaroo mother care (KMC) has proven to enhance neonatal survival, growth, and development. However, various maternal and neonatal factors may influence weight gain during KMC. Objective was to identify factors affecting weight gain velocity in preterm neonates receiving KMC. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of BMU from March 2022 to August 2023. Hemodynamically stable preterm neonates weighing ≤2000 gm who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Neonatal weights were recorded during hospitalization and weekly for four weeks post-discharge. Weight gain velocity at the fourth week was calculated, and factors influencing weight gain were analysed. Results:…