ABSTRACT
Early, exclusive, unrestricted and effective breastfeeding meets a baby’s nutrient and fluid requirements. This assumes that the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding is properly managed at all stages. Benefits of early contact combined with early breastfeeding have been shown for: the duration of breastfeeding, the relationship between mother and baby and the baby’s core temperature. All babies, regardless of intended method of feeding, should have the opportunity to have skin-to-skin contact and to have their first feed soon after delivery. The majority of babies will show interest in feeding in the first few hours following birth, especially if the mother and baby have had the opportunity of skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact keeps babies warm. Infants who have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth show a range of behaviour including cues that he/she is ready to feed. Providing both mother and baby are well, infants should have skin-to-skin contact and an early feed on the labour ward.
