Supporting vulnerable women in mothering through skin-to-skin contact, proximity and breastfeeding: part 1 research

Large numbers of women in Australia and elsewhere are at risk of providing inadequate care to their infants. However, the experiences of new mothers in the minutes, hours, days, weeks and months after birth can powerfully influence their ability to attach to their infants, perceive their infant’s cues, correctly interpret these cues and respond appropriately to the need underlying these cues – that is, to provide, or not provide, good-enough care. This review summarises the research on how skin-to-skin contact, proximity maintenance and breastfeeding positively impact maternal attachment and caregiving capacity, including for the most vulnerable mothers. Organisations and individuals working within the health, child protection and justice systems, in women and family support organisations, in the education system, in universities and professional bodies, emergency relief workers and responders and members of the public all have a role to play in supporting these practices, including creating enabling environments within which they can occur. Part 2 of this series, details how this support can be provided by different groups and individuals.