Who Better to Provide an Environment That Fosters Breastfeeding Success Immediately After Birth Than Labor and Birth Nurses?
Intrapartum nurses have cared for the mother during labor, have established a relationship with her, and are aware of any medications the mother may have received during labor and birth that could influence her ability to breastfeed. These nurses are also in the position to delay initial infant assessments and procedures that have historically been done immediately after birth. For example, because mothers are an excellent heat source, skin-to-skin contact can be initiated immediately after the infant is born (unless the infant or mother’s condition indicates otherwise). Although this practice might delay some of the usual assessments, this is a period during which the baby is alert and breastfeeding efforts can be enhanced. The AAP (2005) indicated that other procedures, such as bathing, weighing, measuring, providing eye prophylaxis, and administering needle-sticks, can be delayed until the infant has breastfed.
