P.77 Skin-to-skin care during caesarean section in two obstetric units

Abstract

Introduction: Skin-to-skin care (SSC) is defined as “contact immediately after birth holding the naked baby against mother’s skin, between the breasts, lasting for as long as the mother wishes.” [1] Mahmood I, Jamal M, Khan, N. Effect of mother-infant early skin- to-skin contact on breastfeeding status: A randomised controlled trial. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2011;21:605–10. Google Scholar NICE and WHO state that SSC should be immediate and without delay unless there is a medically justifiable reason. 2 NICE Caesarean section [CG132]. 2019. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132/chapter/1-Guidance#care-of- the-baby-born-by-cs Google Scholar , 3 World Health Organization & Unicef. Baby-friendly hospital initiative: Revised, updated and expanded for integrated care. URL: https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-baby-friendly - hospitals/ten-steps-to-successful-breasfeeding Google Scholar Maternal benefits include improved physiology, bonding and confidence handling their infant and less postpartum haemorrhage and depression. 4 Phillips, R. Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews 2013;13:67–72. Google Scholar , 5 Bigelow A, Power M, MacLellan-Peters J. et al. Effect of mother/infant skin-to-skin contact on postpartum drepressive symptoms and maternal physiological stress. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2012; 41:369-82. Google Scholar Benefits to the infant include improved breast feeding and physiological stability, e.g. improved oxygenation, blood glucose control, thermoregulation and reduced stress hormones and crying. [4] Phillips, R. Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews 2013;13:67–72. Google Scholar Practice of SSC during caesarean section is variable, especially during emergencies. The project aims were to determine the prevalence of SSC in theatre and to establish barriers.