What is Skin to Skin?
What we know:
Skin-to-skin contact refers to the process of drying and laying a newborn baby on a mother’s bare chest immediately after birth. The longer a baby can stay there the better and ideally it should not be moved until after its first feed. But skin-to-skin contact does not have to be just after the birth, it can be done at any time the baby needs comfort and it can also help boost your milk supply in the early days. Maternity units are required to make sure mothers are given time for skin-to-skin contact with their baby after the birth.
Skin-to-skin is especially important for babies in neonatal care where it is known as ‘kangaroo care’. It helps the baby bond with their mother, reduces stress and can encourage pre-feeding.
Skin-to-skin contact with dad is just as important, especially if it is not possible with the mother.
Why is it important?
• Improvement of heart and lung function
• Regulates body temperature
• Initiation of breastfeeding
• Transfer of good bacteria from the mother’s skin which can protect against infection
• Reduction in crying
• Relief from pain
• Provides an opportunity for parents to understand their baby’s needs such as comfort, hunger or tiredness
• Less stress for your baby after the shock of leaving the womb
• Stimulates hormones for breastfeeding and mothering.
Benefits for babies in neonatal care:
• Improves oxygen saturation
• Encourages pre-feeding
• Reduces stress, especially during or after painful procedures
• Helps with growth
• Helps with milk production and expressing if the baby is on a feeding tube
• May lead to them being discharged sooner.
What will my baby do during skin-to-skin contact after birth?
If your baby was born close to full term and does not need any special care it will be placed on your chest after a vaginal birth and in many cases, after a c-section too. Your baby is likely to cry immediately after it is born but once it is placed on your chest it will enter a period of relaxation where it is unlikely to move much. It will start to respond to your voice and may open its eyes and start to move its head and arms and legs.
In some cases a baby may start to move independently towards the breast and will start nuzzling and licking it. Unicef recommends the baby is given time to familiarise themselves with the breast and is not rushed into latching onto the nipple. It may start to self-feed but if not, a midwife will be able to help you with latching and positioning for this first feed.
Your baby may be a little drowsy if you had any type of pain relief during labour.
Monitoring:
Midwives will continue to monitor your baby during skin-to-skin contact to check the position and that their airway is clear. They will keep an eye on their skin colour and that they are responsive and not floppy. The baby must also be kept warm at all times.
Final thoughts:
Skin-to-skin contact will help your baby feel safe and warm. Hearing your heartbeat will soothe them and release hormones which will help their brain grow and develop. Skin contact is important long after your baby’s birth and can help mum and dad bond with and respond to their baby. And there is probably nothing better than skin-to-skin snuggles with your new baby in those first few weeks.
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