Effect of skin-to-skin contact on the placental separation time, mother's oxytocin and pain levels: randomized controlled trial

Objective: This study determined the effect of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mother and infant during the third stage of labor on postpartum levels of oxytocin and pain and placental separation time. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was composed of 64 parturients: 32 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. SSC interventions between infants and their mothers occurred for 30 min after birth, whereas infants in the control group were provided routine care. Data were gathered using an introductory information form, Visual Analog Scale, determination of placental separation degree form, and time and records of oxytocin analyses. Results: There was no significant difference regarding placental separation time and 1st and 30th min oxytocin levels of mothers (p >0.05), whereas postpartum 5th, 15th and 30th min pain levels of women in the intervention group were significantly lower than women in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SSC is a valuable practice for both mother and infant, which especially reduces a mother's pain. The study should be reiterated by excluding other variables that are likely to affect oxytocin levels.