Hi, Tera:  Yes, there is a significant difference in babies'temps who are 
breastfed and skin-to-skin with their mothers and babies laying bundled in 
a crib.  The crib babies are COLD!  I am not aware of an actual measurable 
difference in babies' temps laying naked on moms' naked chests that is 
dependent on method of feeding, but an interesting question!  One resource 
you might find very helpful is on the World Health Organization's (WHO) web 
site called "Thermal Protection of the Newborn: a practical guide".  It's a 
pretty lengthy document but well worth downloading and printing out.  In it 
the authors describe the "Warm Chain" - 10 interlinked procedures carried 
out at birth/1st few hours which will minimize the likelihood of 
hypothermia in the newborn.
1.  warm delivery room
2.  immediate drying
3.  skin-to-skin contact - can be on dad if mom unable
4.  breastfeeding
5.  postpone bathing/weighing
6.  appropriate clothing/bedding
7.  mother/baby together
8.  warm transportation
9.  warm resuscitation
10. staff training/awareness raising
Hope this helps and good luck to you in your nursing career!

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL   USA

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