Effect of Early Maternal and Newborn Skin to Skin Contact after Birth on the Duration of Third Stage of Labor and Initiation of Breastfeeding

Abstract

Background:-Early skin to skin contact between mother and newborn after labor makes an ideal environment for the adaptation of the newborn to extra uterine life. This simple procedure is recommended as an important enhancement in care directly after delivery. The aim of this study: was to evaluate the effect of early maternal and newborn skin to skin contact after birth on the duration of third stage of labor and initiation of breastfeeding. Subjects and Method: The study was conducted at Tanta University and El-Menshawy hospitals. A convenient sample of 100 parturient women was recruited. The study included a study group (50) who considered skin to skin contact and a control group (50) who received routine hospital care. Five tools were used for the collection of data: Tool (I): A structure interview schedule included the basic data related to a. socio demographic characteristics, b. Reproductive history. Tool (II): Assessment of the third stage of labor. Tool (III): Mother's breastfeeding knowledge Assessment tool. Tool (IV): Breastfeeding Assessment Tool: It included three parts: Part a: The Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT), Part b: Assessment of initial breastfeeding outcome, Part c: Assessment of successful latch on. Tool (V): Exclusive breastfeeding: Follow-up assessment tool. The results of the present study shown that the skin to skin contact group had well contracted uterus, less need for uterotonic drugs and no uterine atony or excessive blood loss have been recorded compared to the control group. Accordingly, the mean duration of third stage of labor was shorter (6.48 ± 1.25) among the skin to skin contact group than among the control group (14.87± 3.88). It also revealed that success in first breastfeeding was higher among study group compared to control group. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concluded that there is a positive effect of early maternal newborn skin to skin contact after birth on the duration of third stage of labor and initiation of breastfeeding.Therefore, it is recommended that refreshing courses, preservice and in-service training programs especially for newly appointed nurses working in the delivery room about the implementation of skin to skin contact technique for all mothers and newborns.