Skin-to-skin: Is it time to prioritise the needs of babies born by C-section?
Skin-to-skin DURING C-section is evidence-based, it’s free and relatively easy-to-do with a tweak of hospital procedures. And most importantly, it’s really beneficial for the mother/baby dyad. Opinion piece commentary by Toni Harman asking why aren’t ALL parents routinely supported to have skin-to-skin DURING a C-section? What would it take for all parents to be offered this as a fully supported option?
- Want to know why skin-to-skin is so important for human health? We’ve just held our first international conference on the infant microbiome aimed specifically at birth/breastfeeding professionals. The conference featured 20+ scientists and maternity experts.
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My baby was born by C-section. I didn’t hold my baby until 30–45 mins after the surgery. Even then, my baby was presented to me, wrapped up in a towel like a burrito, whilst I was in the recovery room.
There was no support for skin-to-skin. No support to initiate breastfeeding.
Talking to other parents and other health professionals, this is a very familiar story.