Parent-infant skin-to-skin contact's effect on parental oxytocin and stress levels

Abstract

Overview of the topic: Skin-to-Skin Contact is an effective evidence-based holding strategy for placing the infant on the parent’s bare chest. There are numerous studies on the effects of SSC on the infant. This literature review analysed different studies on the effects of parental SSC, specifically on their oxytocin and stress levels. The research question: Does parent-to-infant skin-to-skin contact affect oxytocin and stress levels in the parents? PICO elements: The population studied was parents. The intervention was Skin-to-Skin Contact whilst the comparison was No Comparison. The outcome was parental oxytocin and stress levels. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Criteria was used to determine eligible studies. Articles had to be published in the last 10 years and in English. Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses, Randomised Control Trials, and Cohort studies were accepted. Studies needed to include the above PICO elements. The outcome of the search: The PRISMA flowchart was used to identify duplicate results and then analyse the studies found. Studies were first analysed by title and abstract and then a full review of the studies with the PICO elements. Method: The PICO elements were identified, and new synonyms were created, based on the keywords and a search trail was created. The search was done on four main databases: ProQuest, Hydi, PubMed, and EBSCO. Results: Six studies were chosen and appraised via the CASP tool. Five of these studies are RCTs while the other is a Cohort Study. It has been found that SSC does affect oxytocin levels, but stress results are inconclusive. Conclusion: It was concluded that SSC improves parental oxytocin. However, there needs to be further research on both parents, especially the father, and on how SSC affects the parents' stress levels. Implications and Recommendations: SSC should be encouraged within maternal and paediatric wards. There needs to be further education and awareness of the benefits of SSC.