The benefits of mother and baby skin-to-skin contact are numerous, immediate and long-term, and among them is the fact that breastfeeding is favored. A new study presented today confirms that skin-to-skin contact improves exclusive breastfeeding rates.
According to a document that has been presented at the National Conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is in the delivery room where it is necessary to allow the newborn to be placed in the mother's chest through skin-to-skin contact , in a precious and beneficial practice.
A few days ago we recommended skin-to-skin contact with breast or bottle, but in relation to breastfeeding it is known that these first moments of the baby's life are very important. When the contact is combined with the mother's intention to breastfeed, the chances of successful exclusive breastfeeding are significantly expanded.
The researchers reviewed 150 electronic medical records of single full-term or premature births in a New York hospital. They sought information on whether the mother and the child had skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room, as well as maternal age, intention to breastfeed, gestational age, type of birth ...
They also took into account that the number of formula shots, birth weight, weight upon discharge and the length of hospital stay. 53% of the children had skin-to-skin contact with their mothers in the delivery room.
It is striking that 72% of mothers wanted to exclusively breastfeed, although only 28% did it finally. However, the authors point out that the statistically significant factor is the mother's intention to breastfeed.
And it is that, not always that you want it you can, but if we have it clear from the beginning and we receive enough support, it is possible. If you add to this early skin-to-skin contact with the newborn, the chances of exclusively breastfeeding the baby increase. Do you need more reasons to practice this unique contact?
