Skin-to-skin contact by fathers:Impact on infant and paternal outcomes

Having a newborn is an exciting milestone in parents' lives. Both fathers and mothers face numerous challenges in their transition to parenthood. Especially fathers have shared their support needs and desire to be involved in newborn care immediately post childbirth. Bonding with fathers is equally important for the baby's development. Though mothers are seen as the primary caregivers however skin-to-skin contact by fathers is a feasible alternative especially during the unavailability of mothers including medical emergencies and cesarean sections. Skin-to-skin contact by fathers is beneficial for both fathers and their newborns. Hence, involving fathers in newborn care is an evidence-based and a safe alternative. Providing culturally competent and up-to-date support to the fathers in encouraging skin-to-skin contact is necessary and should be the utmost priority of the healthcare professionals.