Skin-to-skin contact after birth : Developing a research and practice guideline

Funding Information: Funding for the two in‐person meetings (one of the Steering Group and one of the Expert Panel) was provided through a grant from Healthy Children Project, Inc., a not‐for‐profit (501c3) non‐governmental organisation (NGO) located in the United States. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica. © 2023 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.Aim: Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is recognised as an evidence-based best practice and an acknowledged contributor to improved short- and long-term health outcomes including decreased infant mortality. However, the implementation and definition of skin-to-skin contact is inconsistent in both practice and research studies. This project utilised the World Health Organization guideline process to clarify best practice and improve the consistency of application. Methods: The rigorous guideline development process combines a systematic review with acumen and judgement of experts with a wide range of credentials and experience. Results: The developed guideline received a strong recommendation from the Expert Panel. The result concluded that there was a high level of confidence in the evidence and that the practice is not resource intensive. Research gaps were identified and areas for continued work were delineated. Conclusion: The World Health Organization guideline development process reached the conclusion immediate, continuous, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact should be the standard of care for all mothers and all babies (from 1000 g with experienced staff if assistance is needed), after all modes of birth. Delaying non-essential routine care in favour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth has been shown to be safe and allows for the progression of newborns through their instinctive behaviours.Peer reviewe

Disposable Mentality: Evaluating the Reusable Container Program

The Reusable Container Program (RCP) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) presents students and faculty with an easy way to reduce their disposable plastic use on campus by replacing the disposable plastic food containers with reusable containers. This project evaluates the RCP through archival research and interviews to understand the motivation behind the programs creation and its current operation and use. The project provides insights and recommendations into the current program and future possibilities

Disposable Mentality: Consumer Behavior Surrounding Disposable Plastics

Hong Kong struggles with the effects of disposable plastic usage in the food industry. This project assisted Friends of the Earth Hong Kong by creating recommendations to promote reduction of consumer disposable plastic usage. We adapted Prochaska's Transtheoretical Model of Change and conducted surveys to identify Hong Kong residents placement on the model. We concluded that the majority of residents are aware of this issue and exhibiting few behaviors towards change. We recommend the data from our findings be presented to corporations, that the detailed storyboard given for our video be used as a guideline for continuing to move residents through the process of change, and that different forms of media be used to continue moving residents through the process of change