The Many Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo mother care, involves placing a newborn on the mother's or father's bare chest. This practice has numerous benefits for both the baby and the parent. Skin-to-skin contact can also take place any time a baby needs comforting or calming and can help boost a mother’s milk supply.

Here are some of the key benefits of skin-to-skin contact:

Regulates body temperature

Newborn babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature, and skin-to-skin contact can help stabilize their body temperature. The parent's body provides warmth to the baby, which helps to prevent hypothermia.

Improved state regulation

Skin-to-skin contact can stabilize a baby’s heart rate, breathing rate, oxygenation level, and glucose level when they are kept on their mother’s chest. The mother’s chest is considered the ‘natural habitat’ for a newborn baby.

Stimulates breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to increase the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. When a newborn baby is placed on the mother's chest, they are in close proximity to the breast and can smell the mother's milk. This can help stimulate the baby's natural rooting and suckling reflexes, making it easier for them to breastfeed successfully.

Enhances bonding

Skin-to-skin contact can enhance the bond between a parent and their newborn baby. When a baby is held close to their parent's chest, the love hormone oxytocin is released and they can feel the parent's heartbeat and breathing, which can be soothing and calming. This close physical contact can also help the parent feel more connected to their baby, which can be particularly beneficial in cases where the baby has been separated from the parent due to medical reasons.

Reduces stress and crying

Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to reduce stress and crying in newborn babies. When a baby is placed on their parent's chest, they feel safe and secure, which can help reduce stress by lowering their cortisol levels. This can also lead to less crying, as the baby feels comforted and soothed by the parent's presence.

Promotes sleep

Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to promote better sleep in newborn babies. When a baby is held close to their parent's chest, they feel safe and secure, which can help them relax and fall asleep more easily.

Improves brain development

Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to promote better brain development in newborn babies. Close physical contact and stimulation from the parent's touch can help promote neural pathways in the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function later in life.

Skin-to-skin contact is a beneficial practice for both newborn babies and their parents. It can help regulate the baby's body temperature, stimulate breastfeeding, enhance bonding, reduce stress and crying, promote sleep, and improve brain development. Parents are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers about incorporating skin-to-skin contact into their postpartum care plan.