NCT06543160

Immediate Skin-To-Skin Contact and Early Breastfeeding During Caesarean Section

Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact and Breastfeeding During Caesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Early Neonatal Hypoglycemia in Late Preterm and Term Infants

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 336 (actual)
• Sponsor: Qingdao Municipal Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a prevalent and serious condition among late preterm and term infants, which can lead to severe neurodevelopmental consequences if not managed properly. Immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and early initiation of breastfeeding are recognized as effective interventions to stabilize glucose levels and support neonatal adaptation to extrauterine life. However, implementing these practices during cesarean sections (CS) presents challenges due to the need to maintain a sterile surgical environment and logistical complexities. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of immediate SSC and early breastfeeding initiation during CS on neonatal hypoglycemia and breastfeeding outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 336 mother-neonate pairs undergoing elective CS. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received immediate SSC and early breastfeeding during CS, or the control group, which received standard care. Blood glucose levels of neonates were monitored at 1, 3, and 6 hours post-birth. Additional outcomes included the time to breastfeeding initiation, duration of the first breastfeeding session, onset of lactogenesis II, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization.

Detailed description

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common condition among late preterm and term infants. It can lead to severe neurodevelopmental consequences if not managed properly. Immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and early initiation of breastfeeding are effective interventions for stabilizing glucose levels and supporting neonatal adaptation to extrauterine life. While these practices are well-documented for their benefits in vaginal births, their implementation during cesarean sections (CS) presents challenges due to the need for maintaining a sterile surgical environment and the logistical complexities involved. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of immediate SSC and early breastfeeding initiation during CS on neonatal hypoglycemia and breastfeeding outcomes in late preterm and term infants. This study was designed as a pragmatic, parallel-design, two-arm randomized controlled trial. It was conducted at Qingdao Municipal Hospital in China from July 2023 to July 2024. A total of 336 eligible mother-neonate pairs undergoing elective CS were included in the study. Participants included mothers aged 18 years or older with a singleton pregnancy and gestational age between 34+1 and 41+6 weeks, undergoing elective CS with epidural or spinal anesthesia, willing to engage in SSC and breastfeeding during and after surgery, and newborns with Apgar scores above 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, a strong sucking reflex, and no critical conditions requiring transfer. Exclusion criteria involved serious pregnancy complications (e.g., placenta previa, eclampsia), conditions hindering SSC initiation (e.g., neonatal asphyxia, maternal excessive bleeding), and previous breast surgeries or medications affecting breastfeeding. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (immediate SSC and early breastfeeding during CS) or the control group (standard care) using a block randomization sequence generated by Microsoft Excel 2010. The randomization process was centrally managed, with blinding maintained for staff performing SSC and data collectors, though patient blinding was not feasible. Interventions: Experimental Group: 1. SSC and Breastfeeding During CS: Immediately after delivery, the surgical drape was lowered for parents to witness the birth. The neonate was placed prone on the mother's chest and dried within 20-30 seconds. Breastfeeding was initiated as soon as possible, and SSC continued throughout the surgery and for at least 90 minutes post-transfer to the ward. 2. Routine Newborn Care: Included standard newborn care such as eye care, vitamin K1 administration, immunizations, and weighing, conducted before transferring the neonate to the ward. Control Group: 1. Delayed SSC and Breastfeeding: SSC was initiated within one hour after birth and maintained for at least 90 minutes post-surgery. The neonate was dried within 20-30 seconds after birth and sent to the ward while the mother completed the surgery. 2. Routine Newborn Care: Similar to the experimental group. Outcome Measures: Primary Outcome: Incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia, with blood glucose levels monitored at 1, 3, and 6 hours post-birth using the Stat Strip Xpress glucose meter. Hypoglycemia was categorized as mild (\<45 mg/dL), moderate-to-severe (\<36 mg/dL), and severe (\<18 mg/dL). Secondary Outcomes: Included time to breastfeeding initiation, duration of the first breastfeeding session, onset of lactogenesis II (significant milk secretion perceived by the mother), and rate of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization.

Conditions

• Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Immediate SSC and early breastfeeding during CS	Upon birth, the neonate is promptly placed prone on the mother's chest, with their head turned to one side for optimal skin contact. The drying process begins within 5 seconds and is completed within 20 to 30 seconds while the neonate remains on the mother's chest. Delayed cord clamping is practiced, with the cord clamped approximately 1-3 minutes after birth. Breastfeeding cues such as tongue movements or head turning are monitored, and the obstetric nurse assists the mother in initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible. SSC continues throughout the cesarean procedure, and upon completion, the newborn is temporarily separated from the mother for safety during transfer to the surgical cart. SSC is resumed immediately post-transfer and continues for a cumulative duration of at least 90 minutes. The neonate's skin color, breathing, and feeding responses are continuously observed.
OTHER	Delayed SSC and breastfeeding after CS	The neonate is dried within 20-30 seconds after birth, the cord is clamped after 1-3 minutes, and then the neonate is sent to the ward to wait for the mother to complete the surgery. Immediate SSC is initiated within one hour after birth and maintained with the mother for at least 90 minutes post-surgery, during which the neonate's skin color and breathing are continuously monitored. The obstetric nurse supports the mother in initiating breastfeeding at the earliest opportunity.
OTHER	Routine newborn care	Newborn eye care, vitamin K1 administration, immunizations, weighing, and standard examinations are conducted before the neonate is transferred to the ward.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-07-01
• Primary completion: 2024-05-15
• Completion: 2024-07-20
• First posted: 2024-08-07
• Last updated: 2024-08-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China