Perceptions of mothers who experienced early skin-to-skin contact after repeat cesarean section in Tanzania: Pilot implementation

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The rate of cesarean section (CS) at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is currently higher than 50%. Mothers and infants are typically separated immediately after CS. The aims of this study were to develop and implement an early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) after CS protocol and to describe the mothers’ perceptions of early SSC after CS. Design: An action research design with a questionnaire survey was used. Setting: MNH located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Patients: Pregnant women who underwent elective repeat CS from August 2018 to the end of September 2018. Intervention: A two-step educational program, which consisted of a training program for the medical staff and an information program for the pregnant women, and early SSC after CS were implemented. Interviews were conducted to examine the participants’ perceptions of SSC after CS. Results: A total of 26 pregnant women were recruited, of whom 17 (65%) participated. All 17 mothers answered very satisfied or satisfied of the early SSC after CS using a 5-point scale. The information program for the pregnant women was scored on a 10-point scale (0 = completely useless; 10 = very useful). There were 15 mothers (88%) who scored the program 10 points, and the remaining two mothers (12%) eight points. Some mothers wanted extended times and places of early SSC after CS. Conclusions: The developed early SSC after CS protocol facilitated understanding of the perceptions of SSC after CS and may be a promising program for implementing early SSC after CS.

Keywords

• Tanzania
• Cesarean section
• Cesarean birth
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Skin-to-skin care