After floating in amniotic fluid for about 9 months in mom’s belly, the best thing to do when you first come out into the big blue world is to have a Skin to Skin moment with mom!
It’s also called “Kangaroo Care,” and it’s good for both Baby’s skin to Mama’s.
Babie’s benefits from Kangaroo Care:
Keep them from getting too hot or too cold: Newborns cannot yet control their body temperature and are prone to extremes. Baby’s skin to Mama’s benefits from contact because it helps their bodies adjust to the ambient temperature.
Reduce stress: Being near their parent’s skin can make a baby feel safe and comfortable, lowering stress and encouraging relaxation.
Better sleep: Studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their newborn can help regulate the baby’s sleep schedule, leading to longer, more restful slumber.
And for the new mom, skin-to-skin has even greater goods-
Enhanced bonding: skin-to-skin contact between parents and newborns has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety for both parents and babies, leading to a healthy and strong bond with the little one.
Better breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to boost a baby’s interest in breastfeeding by stimulating their sense of smell. Babies often find it easier to latch on and begin nursing if they are held near their mother’s chest.
Increased self-assurance: In the first few days, a mom is filled with anxiety and self-doubt, holding the baby close relaxes her, makes her more confident to care for their baby, and even improves nursing success.
Hormone release: Skin-to-skin contact can cause the release of hormones such as oxytocin, which can boost feelings of love and bonding.
Skin-to-skin contact is most commonly used after delivery, but it can be useful throughout the first year of life. Even brief periods of skin-to-skin contact can benefit both the newborn and the parent.
In addition to the benefits described above, skin-to-skin contact can help lower the risk of postpartum depression and boost both the baby’s and parent’s immune systems. It is a simple yet powerful practice that can make a significant difference in a baby’s first year of life.
In conclusion, skin-to-skin contact is a great way for parents to bond with their infant and give their baby the warmth and security they need in their first year of life. It is a safe and natural technique to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of both the infant and the parent.
