Evidence summary: How to implement early mother-infant skin-to-skin contact after delivery

Abstract

Aim and objectives

This study aimed to delineate the optimal practices for early mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC) by synthesizing the best available evidence, thereby facilitating its implementation and promotion.

Design and methods

We referred to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) streamlined rapid review approach to conduct this study. Guide websites, institutional websites, national and international databases, and clinical decision-support systems were comprehensively searched. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II), AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews), and JBI appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

Fourteen guidelines, nine expert consensus reports, five evidence summaries, and one systematic review were included. Six domains comprising 18 recommendations were extracted: (1) target population; (2) preparations beforehand; (3) timing of initiation; (4) practices during SSC; (5) precautions during exposure; and (6) promotion of breastfeeding.

Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice

Based on the synthesized evidence, immediate or early uninterrupted SSC is recommended, regardless of the delivery mode. Newborns should be placed prone on the mother’s abdomen or chest as soon as possible after birth for a minimum of 60 or 90 ​min, or until completion of the first breastfeeding. Notably, we compared and selected evidence to address inconsistencies in practice. Our recommendations offer clarity on the target SSC ​population, preparation, precautions during exposure, and breastfeeding promotion. However, the explicit duration and initiation times of the SSC remain uncertain. These findings may serve as a valuable reference for future clinical practice and research.