To enable the newborn to breastfeed at an early age, it is recommended to place it directly on the mother’s chest after birth, or within the first hours at most, and if the birth was by cesarean section, this should be done immediately after the mother awakens from the anesthesia.
This is done through what is called (skin-to-skin contact), where the baby’s skin is in contact with the mother’s skin without a barrier between them, while covering the infant’s head and wrapping its body and mother’s body with a blanket. This process has many benefits for the infant, including:
Appropriately heated.
Regulating his heartbeat and breathing.
Preventing hypoglycemia.
Help him start breastfeeding within the first hour immediately after birth.
Gain a high immunity against bacteria.
Duration of skin-to-skin contact after childbirth
If the condition of the newborn is stable, the child is placed immediately after birth on the mother’s chest, even before the umbilical cord is cut, or examinations are carried out. It is preferable to keep it in this position for at least 60 to 120 minutes before separating it from its mother To wash it, and complete its examinations.
Prepared by Dr. Manal Muhammad Khorshid.
Family Medicine Consultant, International Breastfeeding Consultant IBCLC, Certified Trainer and Resident of WHO and UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospitals and Health Centers, WABA Advocate Certified Breastfeeding Advocate.
