Virtual link between mothers and infants to improve maternal c-section experience: a non-randomized controlled pilot trial

Skin-to-skin contact is known to help protect against traumatic birth experiences. However, it is sometimes not possible during cesarean sections, causing mother-infant separation. This pilot study explored a supportive alternative by streaming a live video of the newborn to the mother via a head-mounted display during the separation. Conducted in a Swiss hospital, this monocentric open-label non-randomized controlled pilot trial included 71 mothers. When separation occurred in the operating theatre, participants received either the head-mounted display intervention or standard care. Validated questionnaires were sent at one week and one month postpartum to assess maternal childbirth experience (primary outcome), birth satisfaction, childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, anxiety and depression symptoms, mother-infant bonding and satisfaction with the procedure. Compared to the control group, mothers with the intervention reported a significantly enhanced childbirth experience at one week postpartum, greater birth satisfaction, reduced childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and diminished anxiety. Mothers unanimously expressed satisfaction with the intervention. These findings suggest using a head-mounted display to maintain visual contact with the newborn during early separation may be a valuable and well-accepted strategy to improve maternal childbirth experience. It also highlights the feasibility and acceptability of remote technologies in maternity care. Further research is warranted.