Dr Jayeshnee Moodley (Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist) and Melomed Richards Bay promotes skin-to-skin contact during caesarean section deliveries.

“This is a landmark in Zululand as Melomed Richards Bay is the first hospital in Zululand to offer this life-changing process,” Dr Moodley said.

The patients to first benefit from this initiative were Lizalda van Jaarsveld and Khanyisile Shezi. Once both mum and baby are deemed well, skin-to-skin contact is initiated immediately in theatre and continues until discharge from hospital.

“Skin-to-skin contact during delivery is a world-wide phenomenon which improves both maternal and newborn outcomes and I am proud to work with a team of midwives, paediatricians and anaesthetist that share my passion and vision for improving the delivery experience emotionally, mentally and physically.”

It is well-documented that skin-to-skin contact after delivery has many benefits:

• It improves oxygen saturation: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to improve oxygen saturation in newborns, which is especially important for preterm babies.
• It regulates body temperature: Newborns have a hard time regulating their own body temperature, and skin-to-skin contact helps to keep them warm.
• It stimulates digestion: Skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate digestion and an interest in feeding, which is important for newborns to get the nutrients they need.
• It reduces cortisol levels: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in newborns, which can help reduce stress.
• It encourages breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact can help encourage breastfeeding, as it allows the newborn to find the breast and self-attach.
• It improves bonding: Skin-to-skin contact can help improve bonding between the newborn and their caregiver, as it allows for close contact and interaction.
• It reduces pain: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to reduce pain in newborns and mums during their delivery
• It supports development: Skin-to-skin contact can help support development, as it allows the newborn to feel secure and comforted.

Skin-to-skin contact can help support development, as it allows the newborn to feel secure and comforted.

My passion is women’s health and I strive daily to ensure that birthing is both a safe and nurturing experience for mum and baby.  Dr Jayeshnee Moodley (Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)