Birthday Cuddles for Infants Requiring Admission to the Neonatal Unit Immediately After Birth

To examine the outcomes of the implementation of birthday cuddles (BCs) for infants requiring admission to the Neonatal Unit immediately after birth in a tertiary medical and surgical perinatal centre.

Prospective observational cohort study (March 2023-March 2024, King's College Hospital). All infants requiring admission immediately after birth were included. BCs were offered to all infants if safety criteria were met (stable observations, temperature ≥ 36.5°C, safe airway). Feedback questionnaires were given to parents.

Two hundred and twenty-two infants had BCs (70%); 68% were preterm, 16% had congenital surgical anomalies, 70% were delivered by caesarean section and 72% were cuddled while on respiratory support. Median admission temperature was normal, 36.9 (range 35.5-39.2)°C. There was no difference in the proportions with hypothermia on admission between BC and no BC groups (9% and 9% respectively). Cuddled extremely preterm infants had a lower percentage of hypothermia (11%) compared to those not cuddled (21%). BCs were not performed in 30% of infants with 42% delivered under general anaesthetic. Thirty-six feedback questionnaires showed that parents enjoyed BCs (mean score 9.57/10) and all highly recommended the experience.

BCs were safely implemented and performed for infants requiring admission to the Neonatal Unit immediately after birth.