Authors: (including presenting author): :
Siu YL(1), Ip LY(1), Leung CYJ(1), Leung PH(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Princess Margaret Hospital
Keyword 1: :
skin-to-skin contact
Keyword 2: :
breastfeeding
Keyword 3: :
Delivery Suite
Introduction: :
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is crucial for promoting positive maternal and neonatal health outcomes. A decreasing trend of SSC was noted in 2024, correlates with a lower breastfeeding rate at discharge. A CQI project was implemented to enhance staff in Delivery Suite (DS) on SSC practices.
Objectives: :
(1) To maximise the benefits of SSC to babies and mothers at immediate after birth via a standardised SSC practice (2) To reinforce staff competency in implementing SSC (3) To facilitate a successful breastfeeding experience from the outset
Methodology: :
Improvement works were implemented across several domains, including enhancement of knowledge of staff, consolidation of clinical practice, and engagement of couples. • Sharing sessions conducted in DS by lactation consultant and midwife consultant focusing on benefits, value and importance of SSC on exclusive breastfeeding • Demonstration and enhancement of SSC implementation by using the guidelines of skin-to-skin contact of newborns immediately after birth (by HAHO Patient Safety & Risk Management Department Quality & Safety Division) and a video of SSC (by UNICEF) to nurses and midwives • Provide a clear written instructions to nurses, midwives and supporting staff on SSC workflow • Provide clear written instructions to nurses and midwives on at-risk newborn management in various clinical situations, including newborns with Body weight < 2.5kg, newborn with Body Weight >4kg, newborns of diabetic mothers • Update posters and pamphlets in DS explaining benefits of SSC to couples • Discuss the benefits of SSC to couples prior to delivery by nurses and midwives to encourage participation
Result & Outcome: :
• Overall SSC rate in DS increased from 76.9% (Jan–Jun 2025) to 77.5% & 81.4% (Oct-Dec 2025) in the post‑intervention period. • Proportion of mothers on breastfeeding before discharge improved from 78.1% to 82.3% after the project, aligning with the rise in SSC practice. • Percentage of mothers had their breastfeeding started in the 1st hour after delivery improved from 23.9% to 24.9%. • Staff reported greater confidence in managing SSC in special clinical situations (e.g. infants with low or high birth weight, infants of diabetic mothers) as reflected in post‑education feedback.
