Immediate skin-to-skin contact is feasible for very preterm infants but thermal control remains a challenge

Aim Current care of very preterm infants in an incubator implies separation of the mother-infant dyad. The aim of this study was to determine whether skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between parent and very preterm infant from birth and during the first postnatal hour is feasible. Methods Infants born in 2014-16 in Stockholm at gestational age 28 + 0-33 + 6 weeks were randomised to care provided in SSC with a parent or on a resuscitaire and later in an incubator or bed during the first postnatal hour. Infant body temperature was measured on admission to the neonatal unit and at one postnatal hour. Data on respiratory support and breastfeeding were prospectively collected. Results We studied 55 infants at 32 + 0 +/- 1.4 weeks (range 28 + 2-33 + 6), with birthweight 1760 g +/- 449 g (range 885-2822). 60% were boys. Mean body temperature in the SSC group was 0.3 degrees C lower 1 hour after birth, 36.3 degrees C +/- 0.52 (range 34.4-37.2) vs 36.6 degrees C +/- 0.42 (range 36.0-37.4, P = .03). No differences between groups were seen in respiratory support or breastfeeding. Conclusion Stabilisation of very preterm infants can be performed while in SSC with a parent, but caution needs to be paid to maintain normothermia.