Background and aims: 
Stimulation of the newborn is advised by international guidelines and variations of tactile stimulation of in particular preterm infants have been observed in practice. We analysed methods of tactile stimulation at birth and the effect on the first spontaneous breath/cry. We compared our results to other neonatal units. 

Methods: 
Prospective observational study of preterm infants (<37 weeks GA) analysing timing, duration, type and location of stimulation during the first 10 min of life and the effect on the first spontaneous breath/cry. 

Results: 
40 infants were analysed, of which 36/40 (90%) received stimulation. Median (IQR) GA was 34+3 (32+2-36+0) weeks, mean (SD) birthweight was 2227 (743)g. The median (IQR) timing to first spontaneous breath/cry was 8 (3-29)s after birth. The first stimulation episode occurred at a median (IQR) of 15 (10-40)s and lasted for 11 (6-22)s. 85% of the infants was dried and 43% was rubbed. 20% received stimulation on the back, 20% on the chest, 20% on the head, 75% a combination of back/chest/head, 0% on the hand, 0% on the feet. Early preterms were less dried than late preterms. The type and location of stimulation had no obvious effect on the timing of first spontaneous breath. 

Conclusion: 
Most infants were dried immediately after birth, rubbing was more often employed in infants receiving multiple stimulations. Stimulation type and location had no obvious effect on the first spontaneous breath. Our results were compared to data from The Netherlands and Austria, showing large differences in location of stimulation.

TACTILE STIMULATION OF THE PRETERM INFANT IN THE DELIVERY SUITE: SINGLE CENTRE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AND COMPARISON WITH CENTRES IN THE NETHERLANDS AND AUSTRIA