Effects of Daily Mother-Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact on Breastfeeding Outcomes in the First Four Weeks and Maternal Postnatal Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mother and infant is known to promote breastfeeding initiation and early bonding. However, evidence regarding the sustained effects of daily SSC during the postpartum period on breastfeeding outcomes and maternal mental health remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of structured daily SSC on breastfeeding outcomes, lactation status, and maternal postnatal mental health in a real-world clinical setting.
A quasi-experimental design was used to compare mothers who performed daily SSC (SSC group) with those receiving care as usual (control group). Data were collected on postpartum Day 1, Day 3, Week 2, and Week 4. Primary outcomes included exclusive breastfeeding duration, continued breastfeeding duration, and lactation status. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for baseline breastfeeding intention and maternal age.
A total of 50 mother-infant dyads were included (SSC: n = 40; control: n = 10). The SSC group was associated with longer exclusive and continued breastfeeding durations and better lactation status (p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between groups, although both groups showed decreasing trends over time. After adjustment, daily SSC remained significantly associated with longer exclusive breastfeeding duration (adjusted β = 9.18 days, p = 0.034) and continued breastfeeding duration (adjusted β = 10.57 days, p = 0.001).
Daily SSC is a simple and feasible intervention that may be associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes and lactation performance. Incorporating structured SSC into routine postpartum care may support breastfeeding sustainability and maternal recovery.
A quasi-experimental design was used to compare mothers who performed daily SSC (SSC group) with those receiving care as usual (control group). Data were collected on postpartum Day 1, Day 3, Week 2, and Week 4. Primary outcomes included exclusive breastfeeding duration, continued breastfeeding duration, and lactation status. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for baseline breastfeeding intention and maternal age.
A total of 50 mother-infant dyads were included (SSC: n = 40; control: n = 10). The SSC group was associated with longer exclusive and continued breastfeeding durations and better lactation status (p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between groups, although both groups showed decreasing trends over time. After adjustment, daily SSC remained significantly associated with longer exclusive breastfeeding duration (adjusted β = 9.18 days, p = 0.034) and continued breastfeeding duration (adjusted β = 10.57 days, p = 0.001).
Daily SSC is a simple and feasible intervention that may be associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes and lactation performance. Incorporating structured SSC into routine postpartum care may support breastfeeding sustainability and maternal recovery.