Mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact and timely initiation of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background Mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact (SSC) plays a key role in breastfeeding practices of mothers. In this study, we examined the association between mother and newborn SSC and timely initiation of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods This cross-sectional study utilized nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 17 countries in SSA from 2015 to 2020. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between mother and newborn SSC and timely initiation of breastfeeding. The results are presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The pooled prevalences of mother and newborn SSC and timely initiation of breastfeeding were 45.68% (95% CI = 34.12–57.23) and 62.89% (95% CI = 55.67–70.11), respectively. Mothers who practiced newborn SSC were more likely to practice timely initiation of breastfeeding compared to those who did not practice SSC [aOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.58, 1.78] and this persisted after controlling for all the covariates [aOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.29, 1.47]. At the country level, mother and newborn SSC increased the odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding in Angola [aOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.44, 2.76], Cameroon [aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.99], Ethiopia [aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.28], Guinea [aOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.60], Liberia [aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.33, 3.12], Malawi [aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.12], Mali [aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.84], Sierra Leone [aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.23, 2.83], South Africa [aOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.41, 4.76], Tanzania [aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.01], Uganda [aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.99], Zambia [aOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.50, 2.30], and Zimbabwe [aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.21]. Conclusion The prevalence of SCC was relatively low but timely initiation of breastfeeding was high. Mother and newborn SSC is a strong predictor of timely initiation of breastfeeding in SSA. To enhance timely initiation of breastfeeding after birth, this study recommends that more child and maternal healthcare interventions focused on improving mother and newborn SSC should be implemented.

Mothers’ perceptions regarding the implementation of skin-to-skin contact for their preterm infants in intensive care units of the North West Province: A qualitative study

“…This includes physical challenges such as poor infrastructure and lack of equipment, psychosocial challenges such as anxiety and stress, and complications on the mother's or preterm sides. An Italian study revealed that maternal anxiety and fear during mother-infant separation are among the greatest challenges that hinder the successful implementation of SSC [21]. In agreement with the current study, Li et al revealed potential risks to the stability of preterm infants as perceived barriers to SSC [22].…”

Rural versus urban variations of factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Ethiopia

“…In urban residences, this study also found that newborns who received SCC from their mothers have higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding than newborns who didn't receive SCC. The finding is synonymous with the study done elsewhere [ 38 ]. This is the fact that the sensory touch of mothers and newborns can increase oxytocin secretion, which is important to breast milk production [ 39 ].…”

Barriers and facilitators in implementing early essential newborn care of well‐born babies in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A mixed‐method systematic review

“…These procedures have been demonstrated to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and improve haemodynamics and long‐term neurodevelopment (Aboagye et al. 2023; Pong et al. 2022).…”

“…The interventions of interest were those covering at least one of the four key practices of EENC: immediate and thorough drying, immediate skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping and early initiation of breastfeeding (Mannava & Sobel, 2019). These procedures have been demonstrated to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and improve haemodynamics and long-term neurodevelopment (Aboagye et al 2023;Pong et al 2022). We defined barriers and facilitators as modifiable factors that hindered or supported the implementation of EENC.…”