Newborn infants who received skin-to-skin contact with fathers after Caesarean sections showed stable physiological patterns

Abstract

Aim Separating infants and their parents after a Caesarean section is still the routine care worldwide. This study investigated three caregiving models on the wakefulness and physiological parameters of full-term infants after an elective Caesarean section.

Methods Newborn infants born in a Chilean public hospital in 2009-12 were randomised to three groups: cot, fathers' arms or skin-to-skin contact with their father. They were assessed at 15-minute intervals, from 45 to 120 minutes after the Caesarean section. Their physiological parameters were measured, and their wakefulness was assessed using the Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale.

Results We studied 95 infant (53% girls) born at a mean gestational age of 38.9 +/- 0.9 weeks. Heart rates were significantly higher in the skin-to-skin than cot or fathers' arms groups and showed greater stability over time. Wakefulness was initially higher in the skin-to-skin group, but there were no significant differences by the end of the observation. There were no differences between the groups in peripheral oxygen saturation. Skin-to-skin contact had no negative impact on the infants.

Conclusion The skin-to-skin group showed some advantages over the cot and fathers' arms groups when it came to establishing stable physiological parameters and wakefulness. This approach should be supported during mother-infant separation.