Debbie Purser, RN, Ana Rodriguez, RN, Louanne Shea, RN In The PACU!

WHO and WHY?? Babies and Moms!! (not the staff) Skin-to-skin contact between newborn babies and their moms (also known as Kangaroo Care) has been shown to: *Facilitate thermoregulation for both mom and baby *Facilitate and increase breastfeeding success. *Promote maternal-infant bonding *Decrease maternal discomfort

It’s easy for babies to “Get Naked”... they’re born that way!

For moms...…… After her admission assessment in PACU….we can pull the gown aside so her naked baby can nestle on her naked chest!

Place baby in a prone position (naked) on mom’s bare chest, between her breasts. Place a fresh, warm blanket (straight from the blanket warmer) over both of them. This warms both baby and mom, as well as promoting bonding and breastfeeding Let them snuggle..skin-to-skin..

Some babies will nestle between moms breasts for a while…then make movements toward finding the nipple… If so…it’s OK to help guide baby…but no need to “force” the breast on the baby

It’s OK to just let them snuggle…

Baby’s vital signs can be taken without disturbing skin-to-skin time Baby’s heel stick for blood glucose can even be done this way! Yes, mom’s fundus can be checked with a baby on her chest!!

If baby has just had a bath…. Dry the baby well. Dress the baby in it’s baby cap…otherwise stay naked and place baby skin- to-skin on the mom’s naked chest. Cover both of them with a fresh warm blanket that remains partially folded (so it is a few layers thick to retain it’s heat)

You do not have to separate mom and baby just because of the bath!! Most babies increase or maintain their temperature just fine if they are kept skin-to-skin with the mom (or dad if mom is not available)

This approach to the mother/baby couplet has been shown to: Increase mom’s satisfaction with the C/S process Increase breastfeeding success And I bet if they could talk….Increase babies’ satisfaction!! Who wants to lie alone in a warmer when they can snuggle with mom??!!

So let’s give it a try!!! Initial assessments of mom and baby as always upon arrival in the PACU… As soon as the maternal assessment is completed…place the naked baby on mom’s naked chest. Cover both of them with a fresh warm blanket

Subsequent vital signs, fundal checks and even blood glucose checks can be completed while moms and baby enjoy getting to know each other.

Happy, Healthy Moms and Babies Isn’t this what we are all about??? See attached articles for more info re: skin-to-skin and/or Kangaroo Care.