Did your baby arrive a few weeks early? Researchers at a Belgian tertiary hospital studied what happens when hospitals prioritise keeping mums and late preterm babies together from birth onwards. Late preterm infants—those born between 34 and 37 weeks—are at higher risk of feeding difficulties, low blood sugar, and heat loss, and often spend their first days separated from their mothers.
The study examined a structured "Non-Separation Pathway" with three components: skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery, continuous rooming-in (baby staying in mum's room rather than the nursery), and professional breastfeeding support.
High rates of skin-to-skin contact improved feeding outcomes
Over 80% of babies had skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room. By hospital discharge, three-quarters of babies were receiving mother's milk, with over one-third exclusively breastfed. Crucially, the approach posed no major safety risks, even for these medically vulnerable infants. However, complete non-separation throughout the entire stay was achieved for only about 37% of mother-baby pairs—mainly because some babies needed breathing support, some were born via caesarean section, and some hospitals lacked proper rooming-in facilities in neonatal wards.
Medical needs don't rule out close contact
The research shows that babies requiring respiratory support or other monitoring can still benefit from extended time with their mothers. This challenges the traditional hospital practice of separating early babies for observation. The study involved one Belgian hospital, so results may vary depending on how Singapore maternity units are equipped and staffed, but the safety data is reassuring.
How to advocate for your baby in Singapore hospitals
- Ask your hospital about skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room, even if your baby needs initial monitoring or medical support (max 25 words).
- Request rooming-in arrangements and clarify which times separation is medically necessary versus routine practice (max 25 words).
- Connect with a lactation consultant early—this study shows professional feeding support directly improves breastfeeding success rates (max 25 words).