Journal of International Psychiatry

Objective: To explore the impact of early maternal infant skin contact on the psychological status and breastfeeding behavior of postpartum women undergoing cesarean section. Method: 80 postpartum women undergoing cesarean section in our hospital from April 2019 to December 2022 were selected and grouped according to the random number table method. The control group of 40 cases received routine cesarean section care, while the observation group of 40 cases received early maternal and infant skin contact intervention. The psychological status of the two groups of postpartum women was compared: Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Scale (BSES); Breastfeeding situation: success rate of first breastfeeding, success rate of early lactation, time of first foraging signs, and time of first nipple sucking. Result: On the 42nd day postpartum, the SDS and SAS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, while the BSES scores, success rate of first breastfeeding, and success rate of early lactation were higher than those of the control group. The time for first nipple suction and appearance of foraging signs were lower than those of the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: Early maternal and infant skin contact can effectively improve breastfeeding behavior and reduce anxiety, depression, and negative emotions in postpartum women undergoing cesarean section.

[Keywords] Early maternal and infant skin contact; Cesarean section; Psychological state