Premature and low birth-weight babies should be placed in immediate contact with their caregivers’ skin after birth to improve their health outcomes and chances of survival, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
The guidelines mark a significant change from earlier guidance, and will apply to all infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or under 2.5kg (5.5lb) in weight – apart from those needing breathing support, mechanical ventilation or who are in shock.
