Brimdyr K, Stevens J, Svensson K, Blair A, Turner-Maffei C, Grady J, Bastarache L, Al Alfy A, Crenshaw JT, Giugliani ERJ, Ewald U, Haider R, Jonas W, Kagawa M, Lilliesköld S, Maastrup R, Sinclair R, Swift E, Takahashi Y, Cadwell K. Skin-to-skin contact after birth: developing a research and practice guideline.
Acta Paediatr 2023. [PMID:
37166443 DOI:
10.1111/apa.16842]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is recognized as an evidence-based best practice and an acknowledged contributor to improved short- and long-term health outcomes including decreased infant mortality. However, implementation and definition of skin-to-skin contact is inconsistent in both practice and research studies. This project utilized 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 "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 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 grams with experienced staff if assistance is needed), after all modes of birth. Delaying non-essential routine care in favor of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth has been shown to be safe and allows for progression of newborns through their instinctive behaviors.
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