Skin-to-Skin Magic: Better Baby Health

Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and early initiation of breastfeeding have been shown to have positive effects on neonatal hypoglycemia. Neonatal hypoglycemia is common among late preterm and term infants and can lead to severe neurodevelopmental consequences if not properly managed.

A randomized controlled trial conducted at Qingdao Municipal Hospital with 336 mother-neonate pairs undergoing elective cesarean section evaluated the effects of immediate SSC and early breastfeeding during cesarean delivery on neonatal hypoglycemia. In this study:

• The experimental group received immediate SSC and early breastfeeding during cesarean section, with the neonate placed prone on the mother's chest within seconds after birth, dried while on the chest, and breastfeeding initiated as soon as possible. SSC continued throughout surgery and for at least 90 minutes post-transfer to the ward.
• The control group received delayed SSC and breastfeeding, where SSC was initiated within one hour after birth and breastfeeding was also delayed accordingly.

Blood glucose levels were monitored at 1, 3, and 6 hours post-birth. The study found that immediate SSC and early breastfeeding help stabilize glucose levels in neonates, reducing the incidence of hypoglycemia. Secondary outcomes such as earlier breastfeeding initiation, longer duration of the first breastfeeding session, earlier onset of lactogenesis II, and higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization were also improved with immediate SSC and early breastfeeding.

In summary, immediate skin-to-skin contact combined with early breastfeeding initiation significantly reduces the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia by stabilizing neonatal glucose levels soon after birth and promotes better breastfeeding outcomes. (1)