Abstract :
Background: Third stage of labour is very crucial period in a women’s life. Previously uneventful first
and second stage can become abnormal within a minute with disastrous consequences. In the third stage,
the mothers face many problems like haemorrhage, retained placenta and inversion of the uterus. Early skin
to skin contact at birth along with the breastfeeding process is protective against the incidence and severity
of PPH. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of skin to skin contact between mother
and baby at birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes among parturients.
Materials and Methods: The objectives were to determine the effectiveness of skin to skin contact
between mother and baby at birth on maternal outcomes among parturients and to determine the
effectiveness of skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth on neonatal outcomes among
parturients. A quasi experimental research approach was used for the study. After obtaining permission
from institutional ethical committee a total of 70 parturients admitted at labour room, Medical college
hospital, Kottayam (35 each in control and experimental group) were selected for the study by purposive
sampling technique. The data collection instruments were socio – personal and clinical data sheet, APGAR
newborn scoring chart, observation checklist during third stage of labour, infant breastfeeding assessment
tool (IBFAT), LATCH scale and modified maternal breastfeeding satisfaction evaluation scale (MBFES).
Skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth implemented in experimental group immediately
after normal vaginal delivery for 30 minutes. Post-test for duration of third stage of labour, blood loss during
third stage of labour, initiation of breast feeding, quality of first breast feeding and maternal satisfaction
were performed within 80 minutes after normal vaginal delivery in control and experimental group. The
data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results of the study revealed that skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth had
statistically significant effect on maternal outcomes (duration of third stage of labour, blood loss during
third stage of labour and maternal satisfaction) and neonatal outcomes (initiation of breastfeeding, quality
of first breastfeeding and time of initiation of first breastfeeding) (p < 0>)
Conclusions: The result revealed that skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth had effect
on reducing duration of third stage of labour and blood loss during third stage of labour, improving
maternal satisfaction, initiation of breastfeeding, quality of first breastfeeding and time of initiation of
first breastfeeding.
Keyword :
Skin to skin contact between mother, and baby at birth, Maternal outcomes, Neonatal outcomes, Parturients.