Skin-to-skin caesarean birth simulation leads to improved connection for new mums

During routine caesarean sections, newborn babies are often immediately separated from their mothers for examination, weighing and vaccination, however Mater Health reported that over recent years, there has been an increase in women requesting skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. Skin-to-skin connection assists babies with their transition earth side through regulation of temperature, heart rate, breathing and blood glucose levels. It can also improve overall health outcomes for babies, supports breastfeeding and enhances bonding with parents.

It was important to introduce this into the journey for caesarean births at Mater, and Mater Education’s OptiSim team were proud to simulate and test this process to ensure a safe and efficient way to initiate immediate skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and mother at Mater hospitals across the state. The simulation testing was conducted at Mater Mothers’ South Brisbane, trialling three methods including transfer of the baby around, under and over the surgical drape. 

This collaborative simulation involved a number of key team members from Mater Mothers’ South Brisbane and Mater Education and the teams were able to establish, and now implement, the optimum process for initiating immediate skin-to-skin contact following caesarean birth whilst prioritising maternal, newborn and staff safety. 

Jacqui Rhodes, Senior Health Informatics Specialist (Maternity & Neonatal Care), was proud to be involved in the simulated training. “The outcomes of this training have a direct benefit for our patients and their families. Our priority continues to be patient safety, which is even more crucial when we’re delivering babies and we’re excited to be continuously testing our processes to ensure that families are in the best care possible, whilst also continuously improving the birthing journey.”

To find out more about OptiSim’s services, visit matereducation.qld.edu.au/OptiSim