A father claims he feels useless because the mother is breastfeeding. The nurse suggests skin-to-skin contact. What is the primary rationale for this suggestion?

• A. It helps the baby latch more easily.
• B. It allows the mother to sleep while he holds the baby.
• C. It accelerates the baby's growth.
• D. It reduces the need for the mother to breastfeed.

Answer: (B)

Skin-to-skin contact with the infant gives the father an active caregiving role, promoting bonding and a sense of usefulness. When he holds the baby skin-to-skin, the infant is often calmer and easier to manage, which helps the father feel connected and competent. This arrangement also gives the mother a chance to rest, which is valuable in the early postpartum period. The benefit here isn’t primarily about the baby latching to the breast, promoting growth, or reducing the mother’s breastfeeding needs; it’s about engaging the father in caregiving and strengthening family bonding, while giving the mother some relief.