Skin-to-Skin Contact at Birth in the COVID-19 Era: In Need of Help!
Riccardo Davanzo, Anne Merewood, Paolo Manzoni
Abstract
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mother and neonate at the time of delivery and more generally in the very early life is a practice recommended by International Health Authorities[1] and Scientific Societies.[2] A naked (except for a diaper and possibly a cap) baby is placed on the mother's abdomen/chest (in case of a vaginal birth) or on the mother's chest (in case of a cesarean delivery) and a blanket is routinely draped over both of them to ensure thermal control.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Skin to skinAbdomen2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVaginal deliveryCesarean deliverySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Vaginal birthObstetricsPregnancySurgeryPediatricsPathologyBreastfeedingDiseaseOutbreakBiologyGeneticsInfectious disease (medical specialty)COVID-19 Impact on ReproductionNeonatal skin health careCOVID-19 and Mental Health