I suspect that few studies have looked at the early initiation of
breastfeeding as the *only* independent variable.  But some studies look at
the effects of early skin-to-skin contact on breastfeeding and other
outcomes.  Still other studies look at the effects of a cluster of
interventions, such as Baby-Friendly practices.  Early initiation is buried
within a number of these other factors.

So you may not find many studies looking at *only* early initiation, but
early initiation, being part of the Ten Steps, is impliedly important in the
measurable success that Baby-Friendly hospitals have in improving
breastfeeding initiation and duration.  Any of the Baby-Friendly studies
would be important to look at.

Also, since skin-to-skin contact increases the likelihood that breastfeeding
will take place and will be successful, the SKS studies are more relevant
than they might first appear.  Similarly, breastfeeding babies will be more
likely to be in SKS contact with their mothers, with resulting thermal
stability.  I'm not sure it's essential to separate the results of these two
different practices - SKS and breastfeeding - their relationship is
reciprocal and mutually reinforcing.

With these thoughts in mind, any of these studies should be helpful:

Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants
(Cochrane Review)
http://www.update-software.com/abstracts/ab003519.htm

Effect of early skin-to-skin contact after delivery on duration of
breastfeeding: a prospective cohort study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=12578285&dopt=Abstract

[Skin-to-skin contact after birth as a factor determining breastfeeding
duration]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=11679683&dopt=Abstract

[Effect of early initiation of breast feeding and the individualized feeding
system on lactation]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=2375482&dopt=Abstract

Maternity care practices: implications for breastfeeding.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=11380380&dopt=Abstract

Baby-friendly hospital initiative improves breastfeeding initiation rates in
a US hospital setting.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=11533335&dopt=Abstract

Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT): a randomized trial
in the Republic of Belarus.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=11242425&dopt=Abstract


Your hospital may also want to look at birth practices:

Baby friendly hospital practices: cesarean section is a persistent barrier
to early initiation of breastfeeding.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=12000413&dopt=Abstract

Operative intervention in delivery is associated with compromised early
mother-infant interaction.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui
ds=11702839&dopt=Abstract


(I'm writing this with a children's CD blasting in the livingroom and my
husband sanding our Muskoka chair in the basement; the sound level is
deafening .... am I making *any* sense here?!)

Barb Strange


----- Original Message -----
From: "Judith Hatfield" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2003 2:58 PM
Subject: breastfeeding initiation after delivery


> We are looking at increasing our breastfeeding initiation within the first
> hour as a corporate goal for 2003.  This is a great thing because it will
> mean some practice changes along with involvement from not only nursing
but
> administration.
>
> I have the task of providing studies that show the benefits obtained from
> early initiation.  I thought it sounded easy however I am having
difficulty
> finding studies that demonstrate things like decreased rates of maternal
> hemorrhage, increased duration of breastfeeding, decreased weight loss in
> infant and lower incidence of hyperbilirubinemia.  Makes sense to me that
> these benefits should be obtained.  Checked pubmed and archives and have
some
> studies, but not for the above mentioned.
>
> The cincher is I need this info by Monday.
> TIA,
> Judy IBCLC in upstate NY
>
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