Three cheers (and reasons) for skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact between a baby and a parent is a soothing and bonding experience. Skin-to-skin, also referred to as kangaroo care, is when a baby, wearing no clothes or just a diaper, is held closely on the bare skin of a parent. “Baby Friendly Hospitals”, such as Cape Cod Hospital, needed to achieve several clinical practices created by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to gain this BFHI distinction, one of which is to “facilitate immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact…as soon as possible after birth”.
Immediate, continuous and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, whether vaginal or cesarean, is the most effective way to establish breastfeeding. Whether a parent chooses to breastfeed or formula feed, skin-to-skin contact is a very good way to soothe and build trust with a baby. The more I read and learn about the power of this technique, the more passionate I feel about promoting skin-to-skin contact.
Here are my three reasons to promote skin-to-skin contact. First, as shared previously, it is considered the most effective way to ensure a successful start to breastfeeding. Within the first 60-90 minutes after birth, an infant who is placed on their mother’s chest, will work through 9 stages that result in suckling at the breast. The instincts of the baby are incredible and research asserts that this skin-to-skin contact is all the baby needs to start breastfeeding. The research videos that outline and exhibit these 9 stages are remarkable.
Secondly, skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for the birthing parent. Research shows that increased time spending skin-to-skin between mother and baby correlates to lower levels of maternal stress hormones (cortisol), less post-birth bleeding for the mother, and lower levels of early postpartum depression (thanks to oxytocin release). In addition, skin-to-skin contact for the other parent has similar benefits in terms of decreased stress and increased attachment.
Finally, skin-to-skin contact is an incredibly effective and nurturing way to soothe a crying baby. When the baby is held skin-to-skin, not only does the baby feel safe and connected to that person, but that person is often more in tune with the baby’s cues and needs. In addition, research has concluded that skin-to-skin contact often leads to better sleep for a baby as a result of stabilizing the baby’s heartbeat, breathing and blood sugar levels - all factors that improve brain development. I’ve noticed countless times when I am holding a baby that he or she tends to snuggle up under my chin and on my neck, seeking out skin-to-skin contact. Regardless of the baby’s age, try skin-to-skin contact as a technique to calm, reset, and relax your little one, and you as well!
Resources:
https://www.unicef.org/documents/baby-friendly-hospital-initiative
https://youtu.be/6cv_MKrX0wU?si=TxpPfGhdmVNr-5HG
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/skin-to-skin-baby-brain
