Effect of early maternal and infant skin contact on breast feeding in newborns

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of immediate skin contact in 90 minutes after birth on the start-up time of breast-feeding, so as to provide reference for clinical practice in promoting breast-feeding. Methods A total of 160 neonates delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Hospital of Peking University from October 2016 to August 2017 were randomly divided into control group and observation group with 80 neonates in each group. The control group was given neonatal daily care after delivery. The observation group received early maternal infant skin contact at least 90 min after delivery. When feeding signals were present, mothers were encouraged to start breastfeeding. In the control group, 14 cases were lost in the late stage, and 5 cases in the observation group. The start-up time of breast-feeding, exclusive breast-feeding and duration of first breast-feeding were compared between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in the time of foraging, the time of connection, the time of sucking, the time of finishing sucking, the duration of first breast feeding, the rate of breast feeding completed within 90 minutes, and the rate of 3-month exclusive breast feeding (P>0.05) . The rate of starting breast-feeding within 30 minutes, breast-feeding before discharge and exclusive breast-feeding before discharge in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusions Early maternal infant skin contact within 90 min after delivery can improve the rate of breast-feeding, promote early onset of breast-feeding and the success of breast-feeding. It is worthy of adoption and application. Key words: Infant, newborn; Breast feeding; Skin contact