results ofthestudyprovideadescriptionofcurrentpracticeinQueensland,Australiaand
factors impactingonearlycontact.Forvaginalbirths, findings addtotheevidenceinsupportofearly
skin-to-skin contactforanextendedperiod.Itissuggestedthatallresearchinthisareashouldconsider
the effectsofearlycontactseparatelyforwomenhavingvaginalandcaesareanbirths.
Implications forpractice: care providersshouldconsiderextendingtheperiodofearlycontactinroutine
care followingvaginalbirthandexplorethewayinwhichwomenhavingacaesareanbirthmightbe
better supportedinbenefitting fromearlycontactwiththeirinfant.