The growing number of premature births in Brazil and in the world has turned into a public health problem. In view of this, neonatal assistance models have been developed. One of them is Kangaroo Method (KM), adopted in Brazil as public policy for newly born preterm low weight babies . It is composed by three phases (two at hospital environment and one at follow-up attendance) when the post-birth period represents adaptation and learning time for premature baby's mother. The study aimed to describe the accomplishment of kangaroo position and the breastfeeding practices, as well as, to evaluate the self-efficacy perception related to care and interaction with premature baby along the KM three phases of NBPB mothers. Ten mothers of premature babies, admitted in KM reference unit of Federal District, Brazil, participated in the study. Data was collected by interview scripts and application of a scale to evaluate maternal self-efficacy in the three phases. The results about kangaroo position pointed out high relation between hospital kangaroo frequency and its practice at home. About breastfeeding, the data indicated a prevalence of its practice after discharge. The data turned evident the value of KM hospital practices to mother's self-efficacy improvement acquisition, allowing interaction and care for their children. On the basis of mother's perception of the experience, it was possible to describe relevant details of the method, along its phases. It is expected the results shall contribute to qualify intervention by multi-professional teams.
Premature infants; self-efficacy; humanization assistance
