How does the presence of a Companion during Skin-to-Skin Contact lessen Maternal Anxiety?

A recent study compared the effect of companion presence versus midwife presence during skin-to-skin contact (SSC) at birth on maternal anxiety, satisfaction, and neonatal physiological parameters. The study enrolled 92 pregnant women who provided SSC to their newborns for one hour postpartum in the presence of a companion (study group) or a midwife (control group). 

On analyzing maternal anxiety and the neonatal physiological parameters immediately after birth and at 30, 60, and 90 minutes after birth, it found-

• Having a companion significantly reduced maternal anxiety than a midwife at 30, 60, and 90 minutes after birth. 
• There was no significant effect of the same on neonatal physiological parameters.
• Having a companion caused higher maternal satisfaction rates than midwives.
• 65.1% of mothers in the study group and 37.2% of mothers in the control group desired the same care in the future. 

This study proves that the presence of a companion during SSC causes a significant reduction in maternal anxiety compared to midwives and hence can be considered an effective and safe modality for reducing maternal anxiety and improving maternal satisfaction.

Kabir FH, Razavinia F, Keshavarz M, et al. Effect of Companion Presence during Skin-to-Skin Contact on Maternal Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial. INDIAN PEDIATRICS. 2024;61.