When you first meet your newborn, the moment can feel surreal—like you’ve been waiting forever and, in the blink of an eye, they’re finally here. Amid all the excitement, many parents are surprised to learn that one of the most powerful and beneficial things they can do for both themselves and their baby is something as simple and natural as skin-to-skin contact.
Skin-to-skin isn’t just an extra feel-good moment between you and your baby; it’s a scientifically proven practice that benefits your baby’s health, your bond with them, and even your own postpartum recovery.
In this post, we’ll explore the surprising benefits of skin-to-skin contact and why it should be an essential part of your newborn care routine. Plus, we’ll discuss how Your Feeding Experience, a workshop hosted by Next Trimester, can give you practical tools and expert guidance on incorporating skin-to-skin and other bonding practices into your feeding and care routine.
WHAT IS SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT?
Skin-to-skin contact refers to the practice of placing your newborn directly on your chest, skin to skin, immediately after birth and in the days that follow. This practice is often referred to as kangaroo care when done with preterm babies but can benefit babies of all gestational ages.
During the first few hours and days of life, babies are most sensitive to their parents’ touch. Holding your baby close in this natural way has numerous emotional, physical, and psychological benefits, making it a key component of newborn care.
1. Promotes Bonding
The first benefit of skin-to-skin contact is one of the most profound: bonding. After months of pregnancy, having your baby on your chest brings a sense of closeness and connection that words can’t capture. The parent-baby bond is vital for both emotional and physical development, and skin-to-skin is a perfect way to nurture that relationship.
How Skin-to-Skin Helps Bonding:
Stimulates oxytocin release: Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is released during skin-to-skin contact. This hormone helps mothers feel connected to their babies, promotes milk production, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Increases trust and attachment: Skin-to-skin contact encourages the formation of secure attachment, laying the foundation for trust and emotional security.
Calming effect: The physical closeness helps both you and your baby feel calmer, less stressed, and more in tune with each other.
By making skin-to-skin a part of your early parenting routine, you’re fostering a loving, trusting connection that will last a lifetime.
2. Boosts Breastfeeding Success
One of the most important benefits of skin-to-skin contact is its impact on breastfeeding. When babies are placed skin-to-skin right after birth, they are more likely to latch on quickly and start breastfeeding with fewer issues.
Skin-to-Skin and Breastfeeding Benefits:
Encourages natural breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact helps babies instinctively root, latch, and begin breastfeeding. The warmth and scent of the mother help guide the baby to the breast, which improves latch and reduces frustration.
Boosts milk supply: For mothers, skin-to-skin contact promotes the release of oxytocin, which not only helps with milk production but also with uterine contractions, aiding postpartum recovery.
Supports better feeding patterns: Early breastfeeding, facilitated by skin-to-skin, can lead to better feeding patterns in the long run. Babies who experience early skin-to-skin are often more likely to breastfeed for longer periods.
If you’re preparing to breastfeed or want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for successful feeding, the Your Feeding Experience workshop on December 10th will give you the expert guidance you need to make the most of these early bonding moments. Learn how to make breastfeeding and skin-to-skin a natural part of your parenting journey.
3. Helps Regulate Baby’s Temperature, breathing and Heart Rate
One of the remarkable things about skin-to-skin contact is its ability to help your newborn self-regulate. Babies are born with immature systems that need a little extra support as they transition into the outside world. Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps them regulate several crucial functions, including temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
How Skin-to-Skin Helps Baby:
Temperature regulation: Babies can maintain a normal body temperature more easily when they’re placed on your chest, as the warmth from your body helps keep them comfortable and stable.
Heart rate and breathing: Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes your baby’s heart rate and breathing pattern. It can even reduce the risk of respiratory distress, especially in premature babies.
Blood sugar levels: Skin-to-skin also helps regulate your baby’s blood sugar, which is important for newborns, particularly those who may be born prematurely or are at risk for hypoglycemia.
This simple but powerful practice has been shown to reduce the likelihood of babies needing medical interventions such as supplemental oxygen.
4. Supports Postpartum Recovery for Mom
While skin-to-skin contact is often discussed in terms of its benefits for the baby, it’s also incredibly beneficial for new mothers. Immediately after birth, mothers go through a range of physical and emotional changes, and skin-to-skin contact can play a pivotal role in postpartum recovery.
How Skin-to-Skin Supports Moms:
Reduces stress and anxiety: Holding your baby close promotes feelings of calm and reduces the physical effects of stress, which is particularly helpful as you navigate the challenges of new motherhood.
Boosts milk production: As mentioned, skin-to-skin stimulates the release of oxytocin, which helps with milk production and uterine contractions, helping your body recover from childbirth.
Promotes bonding and mental health: Skin-to-skin contact not only enhances physical healing but also supports mental health, helping mothers feel more confident and emotionally connected.
Skin-to-skin helps you feel grounded during the postpartum period, making the transition to motherhood smoother and more empowering.
5. Provides Long-Term Emotional Benefits for Baby
The benefits of skin-to-skin contact extend well beyond the first few hours of life. Babies who experience consistent physical closeness to their parents in the form of skin-to-skin are more likely to develop healthy emotional regulation, secure attachment, and even stronger cognitive abilities as they grow.
Long-Term Benefits for Your Baby:
Improved emotional regulation: Babies who have regular skin-to-skin contact often develop better emotional regulation skills, which can help them manage stress as they grow.
Enhanced brain development: Physical touch helps stimulate neural connections in your baby’s brain, supporting optimal brain development during the early years.
Better sleep patterns: The calming effect of skin-to-skin helps babies sleep better, which can contribute to healthier sleep patterns in the months ahead.
Make Skin-to-Skin a Part of Your Journey
The benefits of skin-to-skin contact for both parents and babies are truly profound, from improving breastfeeding success to supporting emotional well-being. If you want to learn more about skin-to-skin and how to incorporate it into your feeding routine, the Your Feeding Experience workshop is the perfect opportunity to gain expert insights and practical strategies.
Workshop Details:
Whether you're a first-time parent or looking for a refresher, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make the most of your early bonding time with your baby.
Click here to register for Your Feeding Experience today and start your parenting journey with a strong foundation of support, knowledge, and confidence.
By making skin-to-skin a priority from the moment your baby is born, you’re setting the stage for a healthier, happier future for both of you. Embrace the power of touch—your body and soul (and your baby’s!) will thank you for it.
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