The Effect of Skin-to-Skin Contact on Placental Separation Time and Initiation of Breastfeeding

Background: The first hour and minutes immediately after birth are quite important for both the mother and the newborn. Ensuring skin-to-skin contact (SSC) during this period has a positive effect on the mother both psychologically and physiologically, and it is also important in starting breastfeeding. Objective: The study was conducted to examine the effect of SSC on placental separation time and initiation of breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized controlled study. The sample of the study consists of a total of 84 women with primiparous birth and vaginal delivery, including 42 experimental and 42 controls. Data were collected using a personal information form, a chronometer, and the LATCH scale. The placental separation time for those in the experimental and control groups was determined by using a chronometer. Initiation and assessment of breastfeeding were evaluated at the first and 24th hours of birth using the LATCH scale. Results: The signs of placental separation occurred earlier in the experimental group than in the control group. The mean placental separation time was found to be 7.05 ± 4.37 minutes in the experimental group and 13.41 ± 5.24 minutes in the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of placental separation time (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: This study concludes that SSC in the third stage of labor ensures earlier separation of the placenta and is effective in initiating breastfeeding.