In this episode, we delve into the latest evidence-based information on skin-to-skin care in the operating room after a Cesarean. I'm joined by co-host Sara Ailshire, a doctoral candidate in anthropology and the 2023 EBB Research Fellow, and we explore the history, benefits, and barriers surrounding this practice. Discover how skin-to-skin care positively influences lactation, stabilizes newborns, and enhances the birth experience, and learn why some hospitals and providers are hesitant to offer it and how these barriers can be overcome.   *If you want the Pocket Guides we mention at the beginning of this episode, you can see if we have any in stock here!    Content Warning: topics related to Cesarean sections, preterm birth, NICU stays, separation of parents and babies, infant mortality rates, and the impact of racism on Cesarean rates and lactation.   Resources: 

• For a full list of resources and references please visit our Evidence for Skin to Skin Care After a Cesarean page here.
• To read the full Signature Article on Skin to Skin Care After a Cesarean and download our 1-Page Handout, click here.
• To read the updated ACOG opinion on 'Optimizing Support for Breastfeeding as Part of Obstetric Practice,' click here.  

Relevant EBB Signature Articles:

• Evidence on Midwives
• Evidence on Doulas
• Evidence on Anti-Racism in Health Care and Birth Work

Listen to EBB Episodes:

• EBB 135 - The Need for More Indigenous Birth Workers with Miranda Kelly
• EBB 161 - Addressing Maternity Bias and Infant Care with Irth® App Founder, Kimberly Seals Allers
• EBB 189 - Why Black Lactation Matters and the Importance of Black Breastfeeding Week with IBCLC, Janiya Mitnaul Williams
• EBB 214 - Supporting Pumping Parents in Lactation with IBCLC, Nichelle Clark
• EBB 265 - Evidence on Anti-Racism in Health Care and Birth Work
• EBB 278 - Creating an Innovative, Afrocentric Model of Prenatal Care with Hakima Payne, Founder and Executive Director of Uzazi Village

  For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com.   Find us on: 

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Want to get involved at EBB? 

• Find out if our Pocket Guides are currently available by visiting our shop here!
• Check out our EBB Professional Membership (including scholarship options) here.
• Find an EBB Instructor here. 
• Click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.