There are a lot of firsts to experience with every child鈥攚hether it鈥檚 your first, second, or third. Shortly after birth, one of the firsts parents will experience with their baby is skin-to-skin contact.
The term skin-to-skin, also known as kangaroo care, refers to a newborn baby laid usually on the chest of their mother immediately after birth. Since it was first in the United States, more research has supported skin-to-skin contact and its many benefits for both mother and baby.
Some of the benefits include:
- Regulates body temperature, breathing, and heart rate
For nine months, babies live in a cozy, warm environment inside their mothers. That changes dramatically once they are born. Studies have shown that babies who are immediately laid upon their mother regulate to her body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. This helps them adapt to life outside the womb. - Improves bonding
The first hour after birth is a sensitive time for mother and baby. During this time, the mother releases high levels of oxytocin, which plays a key role in bonding with baby. The mother鈥檚 maternal hormones initiate instincts to nurture the baby. Closeness with their mom helps the baby become familiar with her and encourages breastfeeding. - Promotes breastfeeding
When a baby is laid on its mother鈥檚 chest, they can sense their food is nearby. This stimulates a mother鈥檚 milk production and encourages a baby to latch. The release of oxytocin from the mother also stimulates milk production and supply.
What if I have a c-section?
Whether you have a vaginal or cesarean delivery, studies support the benefits of practicing skin-to-skin contact.
鈥淎s long as baby is doing okay and the mom isn鈥檛 under general anesthesia, skin-to-skin is safe in the operation room,鈥 says Abigail Rizk, clinical practice director of BirthCare Healthcare at 麻豆学生精品版. 鈥淪tudies have shown the benefits of skin-to-skin right away, which is why we will do .鈥
In order for skin-to-skin to happen safely in the operating room, a nurse needs to be available to support.
What if I鈥檓 not able to do skin-to-skin right after delivery?
Sometimes, complications arise and putting the baby on its mother鈥檚 chest is not always possible. The good news is that it鈥檚 never too late for skin-to-skin contact.
鈥淲e want moms to know it鈥檚 okay and that their baby will still get a lot of benefit from skin-to-skin contact鈥攅ven if it鈥檚 delayed,鈥 Rizk says.
Can my partner do skin-to-skin?
Yes, kangaroo care with your partner can help improve bonding and familiarity between baby and partner. a positive impact on the relationship.
Can I do skin-to-skin at home?
Once you鈥檙e home with your baby, you should continue practicing skin-to-skin contact with both mother and partner. It helps promote breastfeeding and can calm a baby down when they smell and hear you and listen to your heartbeat.
How do I do kangaroo care?
Initially right after birth, babies are put in the frog position鈥攁rms and legs are out and the baby鈥檚 abdomen is on the mom鈥檚 chest.
At 麻豆学生精品版, the baby may be put on the mother鈥檚 belly if performing delayed cord clamping and the baby is not able to reach the mom鈥檚 chest.
