SOFT: A definitive tool for nurses to measure (S)skin-to-skin, (O)open eye-to-eye,(F)finger- tip -touch and (T)time-together between the infant and mother in the immediate postpartum period and it's effect on breastfeeding rates

Leslie Bramson, RN, MPH, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, P.O. Box 3816, Crestline, CA 92325, 8007745484, thebramsons@netscape.net, Gretchen Page, MPH, CNM, Perinatal Services Network, Loma Linda University Medical Center/Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 11215 Mountain View Avenue, Suite 179, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Tahereh Zamansani, BS, MPH, Perinatal Services Network, Loma Linda University Medical Center/Childrens Hospital, 11215 Mountain View Aventue Suite 179, Loma Linda, CA 92354, and Carol Melcher, MPH, RN, Perinatal Services Network, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11215 Mountain View, Loma Linda, CA 92354.

Our first relationship holds a clue to who we become as adults. In 2001 Loma Linda University Medical Center/ Children’s Hospital, Perinatal Services Network (PSN) developed a definitive tool to give nurses a means to measure (SOFT):(S) skin-to-skin, (O) open eye-to-eye contact, (F) finger-tip-touch,and (T) time-together between the baby/mother dyad in the immediate post-delivery period. Data was collected via medical chart review and personal interview with the mother on SOFT criteria. Data on 23,874 births or 65% of the births in San Bernardino County was collected during this "critical period" utilizing in hospital data collection tool. Positive statistical correlation was found between skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay. Skin-to skin, as a marker of infant attachment, has increased from 24% in May of 2002 to almost 50% in November of 2003. The improvemnet from the baseline is over 100% meeting the original objective goal set by PSN in the participating hospitals. Movement to identify and protect this crucial period is facilitated by use of the SOFT tool. Tracking of SOFT components had been incorporated into patient charts leading to highten awarness among the nurses in the hospital.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: First 5 of San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Medical Center/Children's Hospital, Perinatal Services Network
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.