Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact
You might have heard your healthcare provider advocate strongly for skin-to-skin contact. This refers to the baby being placed onto the mother’s chest, skin-to-skin, and remaining that way for bonding time after birth. While some benefits, like early-onset bonding between a mother and baby might be obvious, there’s a lot more to it.
If you are due to have your baby soon, be sure to establish skin-to-skin contact as soon as you deliver to reap the benefits!
How long should you do skin-to-skin contact?
The duration of skin-to-skin contact can vary depending on the needs of the mother and baby after birth, but it is generally recommended to continue skin-to-skin contact for at least an hour after birth. At Austin Area Birthing Center, upon delivery, the new baby is placed on the mother’s chest for warmth and for bonding. There is no rush to cut the cord or to hurry the baby out of the room for procedures. All the emergency equipment for the baby is in the birth suite and easily available. A complete newborn exam is performed along with basic newborn care right in the room.
The WHO recommends doing as many hours as possible for skin-to-skin contact, putting emphasis on an uninterrupted 90-minutes.
What are the benefits of skin-to-skin contact?
The numerous benefits of skin-to-skin contact include:
- Heat Regulation: Newborn babies lose their body heat super fast, making them prone to hypothermia. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate their body temperature using the mother’s body heat.
- Helps Stabilize the Baby: Skin-to-skin contact can help stabilize the baby’s heart rate and breathing pattern. Being near the mother provides a sense of warmth and safety which is reflected in their body functions.
- Helps With Mother-Child Bonding: It promotes bonding between the mother and baby. Being near the baby causes the release of the oxytocin hormone which helps enhance emotional attachment.
- Breastfeeding: According to the WHO, babies that have extended skin-to-skin contact with their mothers are a lot more likely to successfully breastfeed.
Should you practice skin-to-skin at home?
Yes, you should definitely practice skin-to-skin contact at home! It is not limited to the birth center setting or the first day of birth.
It’s a wonderful and easy way to bond with your baby while providing them with a myriad of the above-mentioned benefits. You can do it any time of the day, while breastfeeding, cuddling, or simply holding your baby against your skin.
Is skin-to-skin still beneficial when babies are older?
While skin-to-skin contact is most commonly associated with newborns, it can still benefit older babies. While it may not work to regulate their body temperature or heart rate in the same ways, it can definitely help establish a sense of bonding and comfort between mother and child. It can also have a more profound effect on the child psychologically, as they perceive their parents as a source of comfort.