Survey on the practice of skin-to-skin contact in Spanish neonatal units during the first days of life. Influence of the presence of umbilical catheters.

Introduction: Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) offers multiple benefits in preterm newborns (PTNBs), but its implementation can be delayed due to the presence of some devices such as umbilical venous catheters (UVCs). Our objective was to evaluate the practice of SSC in PTNBs in Spanish neonatal units and how the type of catheter affects its initiation.

Methods: We distributed a survey through the Sociedad Española de Neonatología to Spanish neonatal units, analyzing the timing of SSC initiation and the influence on this practice of the types of devices being used.

Safety of Skin-to-Skin Contact with Umbilical Venous Catheter in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Study.

Objective:  For many health care providers, an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) may be a contraindication for skin-to-skin contact (SSC). Our aim was to compare the frequency of adverse events between preterm infants who were on SSC with UVC and those who remained in an incubator.

Study Design:  Prospective observational study in newborns less than 35 weeks gestation.