Implementing Routing Skin‐to‐Skin Contact in the Operating Room

Discussion and planning with the pediatricians, obstetric (OB) physicians, anesthesiologists, and the rest of the nursery staff took place. The mothers were educated on the benefits of STS and how this would take place in the OR. Soon we implemented the procedure and brought the first newborn from delivery to the warmer (to be quickly dried off) and then to the mother's chest for STS. The goal was to keep the newborn STS for 30 minutes if the mother was able. Documentation of the length of STS was recorded in the newborn's record. Many mothers who experienced prior cesareans without STS stated how much more meaningful the current experience was.Implications for Nursing PracticeWomen and newborns can now take advantage of immediate STS contact in the OR, which is the best first step for early well‐being and stabilization. This early contact promotes bonding, breastfeeding, and other birth recovery benefits.
Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Newborn Care Source Type: research