Implementing Skin-to-Skin Contact for Cesarean Birth

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Care
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• Early skin-to-skin (STS) contact is crucial for maternal behaviors, breastfeeding, and newborn adaptation.
• Implementing evidence-based practices in the operating room (OR) requires standardized protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a standard of care for early skin-to-skin (STS) contact in the OR for mother-infant dyads undergoing cesarean birth.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptance of STS contact in the OR setting.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project was conducted to establish a standard of care for STS contact.
• Data were collected on the number of dyads experiencing STS contact, location, and duration.

Main Results:

• Thirty-seven of 50 mother-infant dyads experienced STS contact in the OR or postanesthesia care unit.
• The median duration of STS contact was 42 minutes and 30 seconds.
• Standardizing the practice facilitated its acceptance among staff.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a standard of care for early skin-to-skin contact in the OR is feasible and beneficial for cesarean births.
• Obstacles such as maternal/neonatal instability and staffing were overcome through problem-solving.
• This evidence-based practice enhances mother-infant bonding and newborn adaptation.