Baby Friendly Hospital: Skin-to-Skin Contact

Course overview

This course provides nurses with essential knowledge on the implementation and benefits of immediate skin-to-skin (STS) contact. Learners will explore the physiological and psychological advantages of STS care for both mother and newborn, including thermoregulation, reduced stress responses, enhanced breastfeeding initiation, and maternal-infant bonding. Participants will learn about essential skills aligned with BFHI Competency # 06, emphasizing the importance of immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin care of the mother and infant dyad, in support of breastfeeding and bonding. By the end of this course, RNs will be equipped to promote this practice, even when transferring the dyad to other areas of care.