This week brings two important updates: a major Cochrane review reinforcing the impact of immediate skin-to-skin contact, and a newly updated ABM Clinical Protocol #7 offering strengthened, person-centered guidance for implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
This review of 69 randomized controlled trials, including >7,000 mother–infant pairs, found that immediate or early skin-to-skin contact after birth significantly impacts exclusive breastfeeding rates at one month and at 6 weeks to 6 months. The authors advise against further randomized trials where skin-to-skin contact is not offered in the control arm.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has released an updated version of Clinical Protocol #7: Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding:
This protocol builds on the 2018 policy, providing the latest evidence and tools to help facilities implement all Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as a complete, person-centered package—while protecting families from commercial milk formula influence.
