Abstract
Problem
The World Health Organization recommends immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth,
however, worldwide, separation of mothers and infant is common.
Background
In Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of research exploring mothers’ experiences of skin-to-skin
contact after birth.
Aim
To estimate the rate of skin-to-skin contact and describe mothers’ perceptions and
experiences of immediate skin-to-skin contact after vaginal birth in two largest hospitals
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study conducted in 2017. A total of 254 mothers completed the survey
on the postnatal ward (92 % response rate). The survey consisted of 36 closed and
open-ended items. Data were described using summary statistics and free text comments
were analysed using content analysis.
Results
The rate of direct skin-to-skin contact was 15%. A further 54% of mothers had the
baby placed on their chest/abdomen but with a sheet/gown between them. Mothers reported
favourable perceptions towards skin-to-skin contact and reported the practice as acceptable
(67%). Most mothers did not express concerns about feeling exposed (85%) or that skin-to-skin
contact was inconsistent with norms of modesty or culture (87%). The free text comments
indicated that most mothers felt positive about their experience of skin-to-skin contact,
while some mothers felt overwhelmed and unprepared.
Discussion and Conclusions
Skin-to-skin contact was not routinely implemented after birth and the rate was low.
Mothers held positive perceptions and wanted to practice skin-to-skin contact. Policy
makers and clinicians should acknowledge mothers’ needs and feelings by facilitating
skin-to-skin contact to achieve optimal outcomes for mothers and infants.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 16, 2021
Accepted:
February 1,
2021
Received in revised form:
November 22,
2020
Received:
April 9,
2020
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives. All rights reserved.
