Skin to skin care can start before small and preterm babies are clinically stable, WHO says

Skin to skin contact with a care giver, known as kangaroo mother care, should start immediately after birth, without any initial period in an incubator, the World Health Organization has recommended.1

The preterm and low birthweight infant guidelines advise that skin to skin contact can be initiated before the infant is clinically stable, unless the infant is unable to breathe spontaneously after resuscitation, is in shock, or needs mechanical ventilation.

The infant’s clinical condition, including heart rate, breathing, colour, …