Breastfeeding is widely recognised for its health benefits for both infants and mothers, but ensuring success can sometimes be challenging. A new cohort study has revealed an important factor that could improve both the quality and duration of breastfeeding: extended skin-to-skin contact (SSC) immediately after birth.
What Did the Study Explore?
This study focused on how the length of SSC — the period when a newborn is placed directly on the mother’s chest after birth — influences breastfeeding outcomes. The researchers examined 72 mother-infant pairs, dividing them into two groups based on the duration of SSC: those who experienced SSC for 45 minutes or less and those who had more than 45 minutes of this special bonding time.
Key Findings: The Benefits of Extended SSC
The results showed that babies who spent more than 45 minutes in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers:
- Breastfed Longer Immediately After Birth: Infants in the extended SSC group spent an average of 65 minutes breastfeeding right after birth, compared to just 19 minutes in the shorter SSC group.
- Showed Better Breastfeeding Quality: Breastfeeding quality was assessed using the Infant-Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). The longer SSC group scored higher, averaging 10 points versus 7 points in the shorter SSC group.
- Experienced Longer Exclusive Breastfeeding: Mothers who engaged in more than 45 minutes of SSC exclusively breastfed for an average of 4.7 months, compared to just 2.7 months in the shorter SSC group.
- Breastfed for a Longer Duration Overall: These infants were breastfed for a total of 5.2 months, on average, compared to 3.7 months for the shorter SSC group.
Why Does SSC Matter for Breastfeeding?
The study suggests that extended SSC supports a strong start to breastfeeding by enhancing the newborn’s latch and suckling reflex, which can lead to better milk production and feeding efficiency. It also fosters a deep emotional bond that can positively influence breastfeeding over the long term.
The findings underline the importance of extended SSC in promoting breastfeeding success. For new mothers, spending at least 45 minutes in SSC with their newborns could significantly enhance breastfeeding quality and duration, providing lasting benefits for both mother and baby.
SurePulse:
SurePulse recognises the importance of extended skin to skin contact, including for those born preterm or low birthweight; Our vision is a world where baby-centred innovation transforms neonatal outcomes.
Wireless monitoring of the baby is believed likely to increase rates of SSC by making it easy for staff to facilitate SSC and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), and to improve the quality and duration of SSC and KMC delivered in terms of comfort, to reduce the need to disturb the baby to adjust sensors, and which subsequently will improve bonding of parent and baby (Bonner et al, 2017).
The SurePulse VS is SurePulse’s first device approved in the US, UK and EU for clinical use, and comprises a thermo-protective single-use cap that provides clinical teams with wireless, continuous and accurate heart rate information.
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