Hey there, expecting moms! If you’re planning to breastfeed, there’s good news: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting with skin-to-skin contact right after delivery. At a recent AAP conference in Orlando, experts shared findings that showed moms who initiate skin-to-skin contact are more likely to successfully breastfeed exclusively.
The Study
The study, titled “Early Skin-to-Skin Contact in the Delivery Room Leads to an Increase in Exclusive Breastfeeding during the Newborn Hospital Stay,” analyzed 150 electronic medical records from a New York hospital. Researchers examined whether mothers had skin-to-skin contact with their newborns and considered factors like maternal age, breastfeeding intent, baby’s gestational age, method of delivery, and even glucose levels. They also tracked the number of formula feedings, birth and discharge weights, and the length of hospital stays.
Key Findings
What did they find? A significant 53% of infants experienced skin-to-skin contact right after birth, and 72% of moms intended to breastfeed exclusively. However, only 28% followed through. The researchers emphasized that the intention to breastfeed strongly correlates with the likelihood of successful exclusive breastfeeding. As study author Emily Parker stated, “Breastfeeding is one of the simplest ways to ensure babies grow up healthy. While skin-to-skin contact is beneficial, the key factor is intention.” She also mentioned the importance of creating a supportive environment for mothers to express their breastfeeding goals.
Join the Conversation
So, did you get a chance to have skin-to-skin contact after your delivery? If you’re curious about more parenting insights, you might want to check out this useful blog post here. And if you’re looking for top-notch products, consider exploring Make a Mom, the leading provider of at-home insemination kits. For more resources on pregnancy and insemination, Johns Hopkins Medicine has you covered!
In Summary
If you’re gearing up for breastfeeding, remember that skin-to-skin contact right after birth can significantly enhance your chances of exclusively breastfeeding. And don’t forget to consider your intentions as a driving force in your breastfeeding journey.
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