Keeping mothers and babies together--breastfeeding and bonding

Abstract

A close examination of the WHO/UNICEF (2001) Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding reveals a central theme: that of keeping mothers and babies together. Two of the steps, in particular, emphasise that close contact is maintained: step four--skin contact and the initiation of breastfeeding, and step seven--rooming-in. The reason for this is that separation interferes with the establishment of breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of complications. This article considers the impact separation of mother and baby may have and asks whether it is any coincidence that breastfeeding relies on the togetherness of mother and baby.