Delivery room cuddles for preterm infants in maternity centres of the UK: a national survey of practice
Foster, Mary Eileen Raj, Nancy Sakaya Stephen Das, Manish Ray, Olivia Clarke, Paul Gowda, Harsha
Foster, Mary Eileen
Raj, Nancy Sakaya Stephen
Das, Manish
Ray, Olivia
Clarke, Paul
Gowda, Harsha
Abstract
Aim: This national survey aimed to evaluate the adoption and implementation of delivery room cuddles (DRC) for preterm infants (<32 weeks' gestation) in neonatal units across the UK. We sought to determine the extent of the practice, and understand the consistency and challenges associated with DRC, with the goal of enhancing care for preterm infants.
Methods: Between January and March 2024, all UK level 2 and 3 neonatal units were invited to complete a structured survey on DRC practices. We collected data on the existence, frequency and facilitation of DRC, as well as any institutional guidelines and barriers for its practice.
Results: We received complete responses from all 131 centres invited (100% response rate). Among these, 60 centres (45.8%) reported routinely practising DRC, 66 (50.4%) did so occasionally and 5 (3.8%) reported not practising DRC at all. Notably, 81 centres (61.8%) practised DRC without formal institutional guidelines. Main barriers to practice included equipment limitations, varying staff attitudes, and concerns about the clinical condition of preterm infants.
Conclusion: This survey demonstrates an encouraging high uptake of DRC in recent years, typically offered after initial stabilisation (within 30-60 min post-birth). Despite the recognised benefits of DRC to parents and in enhancing neonatal outcomes, considerable variability remains in its implementation underscoring the need for comprehensive guidelines and professional training. These could standardise DRC practices across the UK, promoting more consistent and effective care for preterm infants..
MIDER Authors
Date
2026-02-24
Type
Article
Subject
Collections
Citation
Foster ME, Raj NSS, Das M, Ray O, Clarke P, Gowda H. Delivery room cuddles for preterm infants in maternity centres of the UK: a national survey of practice. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2026 Feb 24;10(1):e003782. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2025-003782.
Journal / Source Title
BMJ Paediatrics Open
DOI
10.1136/bmjpo-2025-003782
PMID
41734915
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Publisher’s URL
https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/