New Mothers Urged to Embrace Skin-to-Skin Contact After Birth

New mothers are being encouraged to engage in skin-to-skin contact with their newborns immediately after birth, as experts from the Health Service Executive (HSE) highlight its importance for both physical and emotional development. This guidance coincides with the celebration of National Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from October 1 to 7, 2024.

According to Laura McHugh, the HSE’s national breastfeeding coordinator, placing the baby on the mother’s chest facilitates adjustment to the external environment. It also plays a crucial role in the transfer of beneficial bacteria, which is essential for developing a healthy gut microbiome. McHugh stated, “Do safe skin-to-skin contact as much as possible as your baby grows. It comforts your baby and makes them feel secure. Skin-to-skin contact helps you develop confidence in caring for and feeding your baby. It also helps improve your sleep and your baby’s.”

Research indicates that increased skin-to-skin contact in a baby’s first year leads to better health outcomes, both physically and mentally, potentially extending into adulthood. This practice is beneficial for all infants, regardless of whether they are breastfed, bottle-fed, or a combination of both. Recent data shows that approximately 89% of mothers and babies had the opportunity for skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth.

Increasing Breastfeeding Rates and Support Initiatives

The push for skin-to-skin contact comes as breastfeeding rates are on the rise. At the first public health nurse visit, breastfeeding rates increased from 60.3% in 2023 to 61.9% in 2024. Additionally, rates rose from 42% in 2023 to 44% in 2024 at the three-month check-up. McHugh noted that enhanced support systems for parents, such as additional infant feeding and lactation nurses, breastfeeding support groups, and workplace breastfeeding breaks, have contributed to this upward trend.

In collaboration with the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC), the HSE is also launching a new Infant Feeding Survey. This initiative aims to gather feedback from parents regarding their experiences with feeding support from healthcare professionals during pregnancy and after birth. Clare Kennedy, the HSE Baby Friendly Initiative Lead, emphasized the importance of centering the mother’s voice in developing care and services for infant feeding.

Resources for New Parents

All maternity units and hospitals provide skilled breastfeeding support, and local health services are equipped to assist parents or parents-to-be. They can utilize the ‘Ask our breastfeeding expert’ service on the HSE’s mychild.ie website, where they can ask questions via email or live chat. Over the past year, the HSE has addressed 2,250 questions online, with common inquiries focused on topics such as expressing breast milk, sore nipples, low milk production, and transitioning away from breastfeeding.

Currently, there are 225 free breastfeeding support groups listed on mychild.ie, offering practical advice on breastfeeding and other parenting-related topics. This resource is part of the HSE’s broader initiative to support parents and improve child health outcomes.

National Breastfeeding Week serves as a reminder of the vital role breastfeeding plays in the health of mothers and their children. As awareness grows, the HSE continues to provide essential resources and support to ensure that new mothers feel empowered and informed in their breastfeeding journeys.