The practice of maternal–infant STS contact known
as kangaroo care began in Colombia in 1978, and has
since been used and studied around the world (Charpak
et al., 2005). Chiu, Anderson, and Burkhammer (2008)
demonstrated that STS contact can help lead to successful
breastfeeding among a culturally diverse group of
women in the United States. Thus, routine care in birthing
environments should include the support of early
mother–infant STS contact that occurs immediately after
birth and lasts at least until after the fi rst breastfeeding
(Forster & McLachlan, 2007). Separation should
not be part of routine care, even after a cesarean, as the
mother can provide the ideal environment for successful
newborn adaptation to the extrauterine environment.
Further research that focuses on the effects of STS on infants
born by cesarean would enhance our understanding
of the intervention among this target population;
however, the intervention has considerable benefi ts because
STS contact requires minimal fi nancial resources,
is not associated with adverse effects among healthy infants,
shows an overall positive effect on breastfeeding,
and appears to improve newborn stabilization during
transition.