What is the key practice to promote bonding and breastfeeding in the first hours after birth?

• A. Early skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding on demand
• B. Delayed skin contact and scheduled feedings
• C. Formula feeding within the first hour
• D. Breastfeeding only on a fixed schedule

Answer: (A)

Immediate bonding and successful initiation of breastfeeding rely on early skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding on demand in the first hours after birth. Placing the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother’s chest right away helps regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing, supports natural breastfeeding reflexes, and stimulates the mother’s oxytocin—facilitating milk let-down and bonding. Responding to the baby’s hunger cues with feeds on demand strengthens latch, helps establish milk supply, and fosters a close caregiver-infant connection. Delaying contact, using a fixed feeding schedule, or giving formula early can disrupt this critical bonding window and hinder breastfeeding establishment. So the best approach is immediate skin-to-skin contact paired with exclusive breastfeeding on demand.