Skin‐to‐skin contact after birth: Developing a research and practice guideline
Kajsa Brimdyr, Jeni Stevens, Kristin Svensson, Anna Blair, Cindy Turner‐Maffei, Julie C Grady, Louise Racine Bastarache, Abla al Alfy, Jeannette T. Crenshaw, Elsa Regina Justo Giugliani, Uwe Ewald, Rukhsana Haider, Wibke Jonas, Mike Nantamu Kagawa, Siri Lilliesköld, Ragnhild Maastrup, Ravae Sinclair, Emma Swift, Yuki Takahashi, Karin Cadwell
Abstract
AIM: Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is recognised as an evidence-based best practice and an acknowledged contributor to improved short- and long-term health outcomes including decreased infant mortality. However, the implementation and definition of skin-to-skin contact is inconsistent in both practice and research studies. This project utilised the World Health Organization guideline process to clarify best practice and improve the consistency of application. METHODS: The rigorous guideline development process combines a systematic review with acumen and judgement of experts with a wide range of credentials and experience. RESULTS: The developed guideline received a strong recommendation from the Expert Panel. The result concluded that there was a high level of confidence in the evidence and that the practice is not resource intensive. Research gaps were identified and areas for continued work were delineated. CONCLUSION: The World Health Organization guideline development process reached the conclusion immediate, continuous, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact should be the standard of care for all mothers and all babies (from 1000 g with experienced staff if assistance is needed), after all modes of birth. Delaying non-essential routine care in favour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth has been shown to be safe and allows for the progression of newborns through their instinctive behaviours.