KMC is an evidence-based practice that reduces newborn nosocomial infection, can prevent postpartum depression, and can have significant benefit in unstable babies through immediate initiation of KMC (iKMC).
KMC, and particularly iKMC, requires proactive promotion of “Zero Separation” to enable hospital spaces to be used or built differently, changes to infection prevention policies, and improved care for mothers, newborns and children. To begin building the knowledge and demand for these changes, the AAP promotes the dissemination of evidence around iKMC in collaboration with global experts including Ministries of Health, national pediatric societies, academic institutions and the World Health Organization.
To learn more about this lifesaving practice see the various resources developed below.
iKMC News Series
The American Academy of Pediatrics is excited to showcase a series of webinars aimed at promoting new evidence on immediate Kangaroo Mother Care (iKMC), supporting a paradigm shift to zero separation between mothers and their newborn babies with a goal to improve quality of care and outcomes for small and sick newborns.
iKMC Educational Course
In partnership with World Continuing Education Alliance and Picturing Health, the AAP developed a free educational course titled “Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm and Low Birthweight Babies.” The course went live in July of 2025. Since then, thousands of learners from across the world have taken the course, ranging from pediatricians and nurses to healthcare administrators and public health officers.
Rooted in scientific evidence, this course equips providers with the knowledge to advocate for minimal separation between mothers and babies and the skills to integrate iKMC into their practice. It explores the key elements of KMC and iKMC, why this method is especially important for preterm and sick babies, and how to transition families home. The course is available in English, Spanish, and French and includes short films demonstrating practical implementation of iKMC across global healthcare settings.
If you are interested in taking this course, create a new account with WCEA, or log in to your existing account, and search by educator “American Academy of Pediatrics.”
iKMC Educational Resource Videos
View or download the films used in the AAP's iKMC course for your own educational purposes.
Resources
Sick and Small Newborn Care model of care publication
View a comprehensive model for scaling up care for small and/or sick newborns at district level–based on country experiences presented at a WHO-UNICEF expert consultation
Launch of WHO recommendations for care of the preterm or low-birth-weight infant
On World Prematurity Day 2022, 17th November 2022, The Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization Geneva launched new recommendations based on new evidence that has emerged that can improve the care of preterm or low birth weight babies.
iKMC and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight
WHO Immediate KMC Study Group, The New England Journal of Medicine
Kangaroo mother care started immediately after birth critical for saving lives, new research shows
The results of a new clinical trial published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that immediate kangaroo mother care, which involves skin-to-skin contact with the mother and exclusive breastfeeding, started as soon as a preterm or low birthweight baby is born, dramatically improves survival.
Immediate Kangaroo Care (iKMC) to Improve Survival of Low Birth Weight Infants
A Town Hall of International Experts hosted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
This work is made possible due to a grant from the Gates Foundation.
Last Updated
10/30/2025
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics