Implementation of the first skin-to-skin contact after cesarean sections in maternity hospitals in Warsaw

Abstract Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the skin-to-skin contact after Caesarean sections in Warsaw maternity hospitals. Material and methods. The study used the method of direct observation. The material for the research was collected using the original observation sheet designed for the purpose of the study. The research was carried out in 11 maternity facilities in Warsaw of varied referral levels. Results. In 11.73% of cases after Caesarean sections, the mother’s contact with the child occurred immediately after birth. The duration of the first contact varied and amounted to: a few seconds – 30.10% of observations, from 1 to 5 minutes – 32.14%, from 6 to 15 minutes – 16.84%. The longest contact lasted 16-30 minutes, and it was performed only in 6.12% of cases. Conclusions. In most cases, the initiation of mother-child contact after Caesarean section is not carried out in line with the recommendations, it terms of its initiation, duration and form.