The Magic of Skin-to-Skin Contact: Benefits for Baby & Mom
Those first moments after childbirth are a whirlwind–the flutter of activity in the room, the relief that labor is finally over, your baby’s precious cry as they enter the world. Then, the baby is placed on your chest and time seems to stand still; all is well. As you’re basking in that once-in-a-lifetime moment, gazing down at your newborn snuggled up on your chest, it’s more than just a moment of bonding. This is your first opportunity to hold your baby in skin-to-skin contact–meaning your baby is naked or wearing just a diaper and laying with their chest against your bare chest. If you needed another reason to do this, right after birth and well into the newborn stage, here are just some of the profound impacts of skin-to-skin contact.
Starting immediately after birth, holding your baby skin-to-skin helps your baby stabilize their body temperature, helping to prevent hypothermia. It also stabilizes their blood sugar levels and cardiorespiratory activity–just from the simple act of being nuzzled against you! These benefits are especially great if your baby is born prematurely.
Research has also shown that holding your baby skin-to-skin can actually decrease the pain that they feel, for example, if your newborn has to have their blood drawn or when they receive vaccinations. For babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, frequently holding your baby in skin-to-skin contact can lead to more restful sleep patterns, less overall crying, and better growth.
If you choose to breastfeed, skin-to-skin contact increases the likelihood of successful breastfeeding in the long term. For moms who have c-sections and practice skin-to-skin as soon as the mother is able to, there’s a greater likelihood of successful breastfeeding, reduced formula supplementation, and increased bonding and overall maternal satisfaction. In turn, we know that breastfeeding has short- and long-term health benefits, such as decreased risk of infections, obesity, cancer, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
If this isn’t enough to convince you to lounge around with your baby cuddled up on you, know that the benefits extend to mom as well! For example, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact within 30 minutes of giving birth has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Frequently holding your baby skin-to-skin has also been shown to decrease maternal stress and postpartum depression. In short–absolutely amazing benefits from something that’s so easy and enjoyable.
And these are just some of the benefits that have been researched and documented thus far. So, whether you’re recovering from birth or well into the newborn stage, taking time to cuddle your baby skin-to-skin offers not just well-deserved rest, but critical health advantages. Take comfort in knowing that every moment of snuggling in this way is incredibly beneficial for your baby’s well-being, as well as your own.
Sources & further reading
Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants
Skin-to-skin care for procedural pain in neonates
Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants
Immediate or early skin-to-skin contact after a caesarean section: a review of the literature