Skin-to-skin contact and its effect on mothers’ postpartum psychological distress and their full-term neonate in Egypt

Abstract

Design A randomized controlled study was conducted on 400 mothers, who were divided into two groups: 200 mothers who applied skin-to-skin infant care (SSC) for at least 1 h daily for 12 weeks and 200 mothers who performed the usual mother–infant care. The mothers were recruited from the Obstetric Department of Al-Zahraa University Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. The enrolled mothers' infants were assessed for body weight. Sleep hours and frequency of breast milk feeding were evaluated by the mother during the day. All of the mothers who took part in the study were assessed for postoperative pain, wound healing, postpartum depression, anxiety, sleep quality and newborn maternal bonding. Results There was a significant increase in frequencies of breastfeeding and the body weight at 12 weeks’ postnatal age and also an increase in sleep hours in the infants who had SSC. The mothers who performed SSC had good sleep quality in comparison with those who performed the usual infant care; in addition, they had less postoperative pain intensity and proper wound healing apart from better maternal–infant bond, decreased anxiety and decreased depression frequency. Conclusion SSC was associated with better infant breastfeeding, increased sleep hours in infants and less postpartum psychological burden in mothers.

Maternal Sleeping Problems Before and After Childbirth - A Systematic Review

“…Regarding the analysis of sleep itself, 88% of women considered ”maintaining a consistent sleep pattern for babies” to be the most difficult task, and ”consistent sleep routine” of women - The second most difficult (66%). Asmaa A. El Sehmawy 41 Egypt Age (years): - 18–25 (56–58%) - >25 (42–44%) Sample size: 400 Randomized control trial Two groups: - KMC group - Conventional care group (control) Evaluation of the effect of skin-to-skin contact [Kangaroo mother care (KMC)] on the postpartum psychiatric disorders in mothers and its effectiveness on their full-term neonate. PSQI EPDS PASS PBQ The prevalence of mild depression among mothers who used Kangaroo mother care was 8.5%, compared to 23.5% in mothers who received standard care - [RR=0.62 (0.51–0.74)].…”

“…In addition, it promoted a better bond between the mother and the child, and had a positive effect on weight gain and increased sleep hours of infants at 12 weeks postpartum. 41 …”

“…In addition, it promoted a better bond between the mother and the child, and had a positive effect on weight gain and increased sleep hours of infants at 12 weeks postpartum. 41 On the other hand, prenatal psychological sleep education did not have a lasting effect on the mother's sleep in the postpartum period, nor was there a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. 42…”