Implementing skin-to-skin contact at birth using the Iowa model: applying evidence to practice

Nurs Womens Health. 2012 Jun-Jul;16(3):220-9; quiz 230. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-486X.2012.01733.x.

Abstract

Prolonged skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and newborns in the hour after birth is associated with physiologic and psychological benefits for both mothers and infants, yet this is not a standard practice at all birthing facilities. The purpose of the project described in this article was to implement SSC immediately aft er birth for healthy term newborns as a routine, evidence-based practice in a labor and delivery unit at a Midwestern U.S. academic medical center. When incorporated into routine newborn care, SSC promotes key maternal-infant health outcomes of importance to quality nursing care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding
  • Evidence-Based Nursing*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant Care / methods
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Iowa
  • Kangaroo-Mother Care Method / methods*
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Object Attachment
  • Postnatal Care / methods*
  • Postpartum Period / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena
  • Skin Temperature / physiology
  • Touch / physiology