Under which conditions is skin-to-skin bonding with the mother recommended at birth?

• A. If the infant is term gestation, breathing/crying, and good tone.
• B. If any of the three questions is negative
• C. Only after the baby is evaluated by NICU staff
• D. Only after the mother recovers from delivery

Answer: (A)

Skin-to-skin contact right after birth supports temperature regulation, breathing stability, and early feeding and bonding. It is best when the newborn is healthy enough to handle the transition: term gestation, breathing or crying, and good muscle tone. In this healthy scenario, placing the baby on the mother’s chest immediately is encouraged. If any of those signs are not present—such as prematurity, respiratory distress, or poor tone—the baby may need medical assessment or NICU care first, and skin-to-skin would be delayed or modified under supervision.