Early Skin-to-Skin Contact in the First Hour of Life and Breastfeeding Success: A Systematic Review

Background: Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) in the first hour after birth is proposed to enhance breastfeeding outcomes, yet evidence synthesis is required. Objective: To systematically review the effect of SSC during the first postnatal hour on breastfeeding initiation and success. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to June ۲۰۲۳. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews examining SSC (۶۰ minutes after birth) and breastfeeding outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB۲. Results: Thirteen studies (۹ RCTs, ۴ systematic reviews; ۱,۲۰۰ mother-infant dyads) met inclusion criteria. Most RCTs demonstrated significantly higher rates of first latch success, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization and early postpartum among dyads receiving immediate SSC versus routine care. Meta-analyses confirmed increased odds of successful breastfeeding initiation (OR ۲.۷, ۹۵% CI: ۱.۹-۳.۶). Performance bias was unavoidable due to the nature of the intervention, but other risk domains were generally low. Conclusion: Immediate SSC within the first postnatal hour consistently improves breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity. Integration of SSC into delivery room practice should be considered a standard of care. Further research is needed in cesarean deliveries and preterm populations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Skin-to-skin contact ، breastfeeding initiation ، exclusive breastfeeding ، randomized controlled trial ، systematic review