Evolutionary Paediatrics

Introduction................................................................................................ 125 Encouraging Infant Independence and the Separation of Mothers and Babies ................................................................................................... 126 The Role of Hospital Birth in Separating Mothers and Babies ........... 128 The Consequences of Mother-Infant Separation .................................. 130 The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact ............................................... 131 Case Study: The Trial ................................................................................ 134 Methods ................................................................................................. 134 Results .................................................................................................... 135 Proximity........................................................................................... 137 Breast Feeding Initiation ................................................................. 138 Breast Feeding Continuation .......................................................... 140 Maternal and Infant Sleep .............................................................. 141 Sleep Proximity in the Home Environment ................................. 142 Discussion .............................................................................................. 142 Incorporating Evolutionary Perspectives into Policy and Practice .... 144 References ................................................................................................... 145