Table 1

Main components of the final model common to all sites

Pre-KMC-implementing facilityIn KMC-implementing facilityPost KMC implementing facility
  • Birth weight for all babies born in non-KMC-implementing facilities accurately taken with digital scales and recorded by trained health workers (HWs), and birth weight of home births recorded by community health workers (CHWs).

  • Referral of all <2000 g babies to a KMC-implementing facility assisted by HWs.

  • HWs motivated, supported and monitored to perform above tasks.

  • Community engaged to accept and support referral of newborns <2000 g for KMC.

  • Conducive environment for KMC established and maintained (facilities and staffing).

  • Policies supportive of KMC established—mothers given rights and means to stay with babies (beds, food, bathing, toilet, etc).

  • HWs motivated and supported to help mothers start and provide effective KMC.

  • Counselling provided by HWs to sustain effective KMC while in the facility and after discharge.

  • Birth weight of inborn babies accurately measured and recorded, and newborns <2000 g transferred to newborn intensive care unit or KMC ward.

  • Performance of staff and facility conditions for KMC monitored and supported.

  • Links (eg, phone calls and referral slips) established between KMC facility and CHWs to inform about discharge of <2000 g babies.

  • Home visits by CHWs held to support KMC at home after discharge from facility.

  • Champions (such as experienced mothers) identified to promote and assist with KMC in the community.

  • Community events held to talk about benefits of KMC—for example, health fairs, celebrations of 6-month/first birthday.

  • Performance of CHWs in supporting KMC reviewed in regular supervision contacts.

  • KMC, Kangaroo Mother Care.