Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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How often can a baby come out for a parent-infant cuddle?
How long can a baby come out for a parent-infant cuddle?
How long should you wait after a feed before getting a baby out for a parent-infant cuddle?
Can you give a nasogastric feed during a parent-infant cuddle?
Can babies undergoing therapeutic cooling have a parent-infant cuddle?
Can babies with central lines have a parent-infant cuddle?
Can babies undergoing phototherapy have a parent-infant cuddle?
A baby can have skin to skin as often as the baby and parent feel comfortable. For babies in intensive care try to avoid multiple transfers for skin to skin over a short time period. Ideally the baby should have a cuddle for at least an hour. This allows the baby to settle after the transfer and to have a full sleep cycle. There is no reason why a baby cannot have a cuddle with one parent followed by another parent.
A baby can have skin to skin for as long as they and their parent are comfortable for. There is no set length however at least an hour is recommended. This gives time for the baby to settle following the transfer and to have a full sleep cycle. Whilst having a cuddle the baby may like to have their eyes shielded or have ear muffs on. They may like to be sung softly to or have a tube feed during their cuddle.
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How long should you wait after a feed before getting a baby out for a parent-infant cuddle?
There is no set time to wait before they can come out for a parent-infant cuddle however for babies requiring intensive care support waiting 20-30minutes post a feed will help to ensure the baby tolerates the transfer. Ensure that the baby is comfortable and there observations are stable before transferring out for skin to skin.
Can you give a nasogastric tube feed during a cuddle?
Yes you can feed a baby via the NG tube whilst they are having skin to skin. Skin to skin can also help aid digestion.
Can babies undergoing therapeutic cooling have a parent-infant cuddle?
This depends on your local unit policy and the clinical state of the baby. Theoretically a baby can have a parent-infant cuddle whilst on a cooling mattress. The baby is placed across the parent with the cooling mattress underneath. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the cooling therapy, it is not possible to have skin to skin. There is evidence to suggest that having a cuddle whilst undergoing therapeutic cooling is safe and improves breastfeeding rates whilst reducing postnatal depression.
Can babies with a central line have a parent-infant cuddle?
Yes, a baby with central lines can have a parent-infant cuddle. Central lines include a long line, an umbilical artery catheter (UAC) and an umbilical venous catheter (UVC). With careful positioning and monitoring a baby can be placed on their front against the parents chest although placing the baby across the parents arm (not in skin to skin) may be recommended. Again, refer to your local unit policy.
Can babies undergoing phototherapy have a parent-infant cuddle?
If there is a bilibed available (a blanket which can provide phototherapy) then yes, a baby can have a parent-infant cuddle whilst being wrapped or placed on the bilibed. Similarly if a sleep sack is available then the baby can be swaddled in a sack which contains a fibreoptic blue light. The baby can then be held and comforted within the sack. If a bilibed or sleep sack are not available we would normally recommend leaving the baby under phototherapy for 3 hours before having skin to skin however we would recommend you refer to your local unit policy.