Joint reply to 'Maternal-infant bonding: a joint rebuttal'

To the Editor.— It is clear that there is some disagreement about the effects of early skin-to-skin contact, and these issues are discussed below. We want to underscore, however, that there is no disagreement about the laudable humanization of birthing practices that Klaus and Kennell helped bring about. All are agreed that the maintenance and extension of these practices is desirable, and that we owe a great deal to Klaus and Kennell for their role in promoting them.