Immediate Skin-to-skin Contact After C-section

Women are recruited before elective c-section.

Randomizatiion is performed just before the operation.

Control group:

The operation is performed as usual, with observation of the newborn by medical staff. The newborn is then wrapped in a blanket and given to the father.

Intervention group:

The newborn is given to the mother in the first minute of life, placed on her chest to allow complete skin-to-skin contact. Observation of the baby is performed in this position. The skin-to-skin contact lasts as long as the operation is not completed or the mother is not able anymore to keep her baby on her chest.

Sampling (in both groups):

• salivary samples are obtained with salivettes from the mother 1)before the operation and 2) after the operation, in the recovery room (90 minutes after birth).
• salivary samples are obtained with salivettes from the newborn 1) 20 minutes after birth and 2) 20 minutes after the vitamin K injection (performed at 60 minutes of life)
• A cord blood sample is obtained for prolactin, ACTH and cortisol analysis.

Video recording:

The newborn is video recorded at the vitamin K injection (from 1 minute before the injection to 5 minutes after) for analysis with the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale.

Satisfaction:

The mother's satisfaction is evaluated with a questionnaire 24 to 48 hours after birth.

Breastfeeding:

The breastfeeding is evaluated by a research nurse 1) at the hospital and 2) by phone interviews, up to 6 months after birth.

Inclusion criteria

• elective C-section
• term pregnancy
• signature of an information and consent form

Exclusion criteria

• multiple pregnancy
• labor
• fetal distress
• abnormal anticipated birth weight
• congenital malformation
• diabetes
• fever
• rapid management of the new born required