Skin-to-skin contact after caesarean section: impact on the occurrence of problems during the initiation of lactation

Background: Breastfeeding is the best method to feed newborns, infants and young children. A caesarean section may have a negative impact on breastfeeding success which, given the high percentage of surgical deliveries in Poland, is alarming. A beneficial effect of skin-to-skin contact after a cesarean section on breastfeeding indicators has been reported.Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the type of first contact between mother and child after a surgical delivery, and the occurrence of problems during the lactation initiation period.Materials and methods: 256 women that had a cesarean section at one of the Warsaw hospitals during a six-month period were included in the study. Women who had a delivery earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy were excluded. A questionnaire designed by the author was used for data collection.Results: Newborns without skin-to-skin contact or those who experienced a delayed contact required more frequent top-up feeding and their mothers more often experienced a sense of insufficient breast milk supply. Newborns who experienced skin-to-skin contact in the operating theatre also required less frequent top-up feeding compared to than those who experienced skin-to-skin contact in the recovery room. Conclusions: The type of first contact between mother and child after a cesarean section affects the occurrence of problems during the lactation initiation period. Despite the demonstrated benefits of skin-to-skin contact, it is not executed frequently enough after birth.