Table 4 Raccomendations and preventive measures for safe postpartum mother-child skin-to-skin contact

Furnish a written protocol regarding assistance, observation/supervision and of parent instruction

Maintain sufficient lighting for the correct observation of the newborn

Never leave the mother alone, always ensure the presence of the hospital staff, relatives or a trusted person (sensitized prior to delivery)

Favor optimal 45° sitting position of the mother (biological nurturing): this guarantees the use of active neonatal reflexes that promote breastfeeding, neonatal respiration, and greater interaction in the mother-infand dyad, including eye contact

Ensure that infant’s mouth and nose are always visible

Ensure continuous supervision by staff during skin-to-skin contact in cases of maternal sedation, fatigue or primiparity

Avoid use of mobile phones and other distractions in the room

Use pulse oximetry monitoring in highly selected situations