Effect of early skin to skin contact on stabilization of neonates' body temperature

ABSTRACT

Skin to skin contact in the immediate postnatal period is beneficial to the mother and her child. Stabilization of neonate's body temperature is one of its important benefits. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of skin to skin contact on stabilization of neonate's body temperature in the early postnatal period. Data were collected from El Maternite hospital in Alexandria. The sample consisted of 80 term neonates. Normal delivery was the criteria of choice. Mothers and their neonates were divided equally into experimental and control groups. Neonates in the experimental group were placed naked except from diaper between mother's bare breasts soon after birth. Control babies were placed in cots and covered with blankets. Body temperature was measured immediately after birth then every one hour for the first eight hours. Findings revealed that skin to skin contact was effective in controlling and stabilizing neonates' body temperature. Significant difference was found between the neonates and stabilization of their body temperature. The study suggested that hospital policies should consider skin to skin contact. Nurses should encourage mothers or practice skin-to skin contact during the first few hours after birth to protect their neonates from hazards of hypothermia