A new study challenges the long-held belief that skin-to-skin contact (SSC) right after birth leads to significant long-term developmental benefits. Published in JAMA Network Open, the randomized clinical trial found that SSC between mothers and newborns in the delivery room did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes at ages two to three.
Despite this, researchers stress that SSC still offers key benefits that should be embraced.The trial involved 108 preterm infants born at about 30 weeks gestation. Half of the babies had immediate SSC with their mothers, while the other half received standard care. The researchers followed up with 86 children at ages two to three.
The study found no significant difference in cognitive development between the SSC group and the standard care group, as measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III). There were also no differences in neurodevelopment at three and 12 months.
However, babies in the SSC group were more likely to breastfeed at discharge and continued breastfeeding longer, many still nursing at 12 months.
Although SSC did not impact long-term cognitive development, it had clear benefits for breastfeeding. It helped stabilize the baby’s heart rate and temperature, while promoting bonding, as well as contributing to longer breastfeeding duration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports SSC, especially for preterm babies, due to its benefits in reducing infant mortality.
While SSC may not affect long-term cognitive development, it offers valuable immediate benefits, especially in promoting breastfeeding and bonding. Experts encourage making SSC a routine part of neonatal care for these reasons, ensuring a healthier and more connected start to life for babies.
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