Unit is Fully Operational — The SPMH Newborn Unit is open and actively providing care for premature and low birth weight newborns. The unit has recorded its first successful case since launch.
Where Every Gram Counts
A premature or low birth weight baby arrives into the world facing challenges that most newborns do not. Their lungs may not be fully developed. Their reflexes may be too weak to feed. Their bodies may struggle to maintain temperature. They need more than routine postnatal care — they need a specialised environment, a trained team, and time.
The SPMH Newborn Unit provides exactly that. Established as part of the hospital's journey toward Level 4 accreditation, the unit offers dedicated care for premature and low birth weight newborns, keeping them close to their mothers and to the community of Homa Bay rather than requiring long and costly transfers to distant facilities.
The unit is staffed by a dedicated clinical team trained in neonatal care protocols, including Kangaroo Mother Care, gavage feeding, and supplemental feeding management — and it is already making a measurable difference in outcomes.
Adrian Blessings — Born 1.3 kg, Discharged 1.8 kg
In March 2026, Ruth Awino delivered baby Adrian Blessings at 32 weeks gestation, weighing just 1.3 kg. Clinically weak and unable to breastfeed, Adrian was admitted to the Newborn Unit. Through Kangaroo Mother Care, supplemental feeding, and dedicated nursing over several weeks, he was discharged at 1.8 kg — and returned for follow-up at 2.2 kg. He is the first successful case from this unit, and a testament to what the team here is capable of.
Read his full story →Key Features of the Newborn Unit
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
Skin-to-skin care between mother and baby that regulates temperature, supports breathing, and strengthens the bond critical to recovery in premature infants.
Gavage & Supplemental Feeding
Intermittent gavage feeding ensures newborns receive consistent nutrition when direct breastfeeding is not yet possible, alongside supplemental formula as required.
Continuous Clinical Monitoring
Dedicated nursing care with close observation of vital signs, weight progression, feeding tolerance, and reflex development throughout the admission period.
Mother-Centred Care
Mothers are kept actively involved in their baby's care throughout the admission — encouraging breastfeeding, participation in KMC, and preparation for safe discharge.
Weight & Growth Tracking
Systematic daily weight monitoring to track each baby's progress toward the safe discharge threshold and inform feeding and care adjustments.
Follow-Up at MCH/Nutrition Clinic
Discharge is not the end. Babies from the Newborn Unit are followed up at the SPMH MCH/Nutrition Clinic to monitor continued growth and nutritional wellbeing.
About Kangaroo Mother Care
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a clinically proven method of newborn care that involves prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her premature or low birth weight infant. Recognised by the World Health Organisation as a standard of care for premature babies, KMC helps regulate the baby's temperature, stabilise breathing and heart rate, promote breast milk production, and strengthen the mother-child bond — all of which contribute directly to better survival and growth outcomes. At SPMH, KMC is a core component of Newborn Unit care.
The Newborn Unit in Action
Kangaroo Mother Care in practice
Nursing team at the unit
Where We Are
Newborn Unit Established
The unit was established as a Level 4 accreditation requirement and is now fully operational, equipped, and staffed.
First Successful Case
Baby Adrian Blessings — admitted at 1.3 kg, discharged at 1.8 kg, followed up at 2.2 kg. The first case successfully managed through the unit from admission to discharge.
Active Clinical Operations
The unit is receiving patients and the team continues to build experience and refine protocols with every case managed.
Capacity Expansion
Plans to expand unit capacity and equipment as patient volumes grow and additional resources are secured.