Early Newborn Bonding
Skin-to-Skin is In!
The moment your baby is born will be one of the most memorable in your life. As the cord is cut, the nurse will place your baby gently on your chest, drying your baby while he or she looks up at you for the first time. Amazing and exciting, holding your baby close for the first time will help you both bond with each other and recover from delivery.
What exactly is skin-to-skin?
Skin-to-skin is when your baby is placed naked, not wrapped in a blanket on a mother’s chest. This should be done as soon as possible after birth, with the newborn being dried while on mom’s chest. It can also be done again later and should be done as much as possible in the early days as your baby learns to adjust to life outside the womb. Remember you have been your baby’s home! Skin-to-skin also helps babies learn how to breastfeed and will help you respond to your infant’s feeding cues.
Benefits of skin-to-skin right after delivery
The latest research is showing all newborns should be placed skin-to-skin with their mothers as soon as possible after birth. The mother’s warm body will keep her newborn baby warm. Infants who are skin-to-skin with their mothers also have more stable body temperatures, stable blood sugars and cry less. Newborns are awake and alert right after delivery. Infants will often latch on and breastfeed right after delivery. Breastfeeding skin-to-skin after delivery also helps decrease bleeding in new moms. Research has also shown that babies who are placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth are more likely to exclusively breastfeed longer.
What if I have a caesarian section?
Infant’s born by caesarian section can also be placed skin-to-skin in the operating room as soon as both mom and infant are able. They, too, will reap the benefits of early skin-to-skin bonding.
What if I’m planning on bottle-feeding?
The latest recommendations are that all infants go skin-to-skin with their mother’s after birth regardless of your feeding choice. The benefits of early bonding help all infants not only those who are breastfeeding
Can dads do skin-to-skin too?
Yes, they can! In the event mom can’t do early skin-to-skin, dads can and should be encouraged to hold their newborns skin-to-skin. It’s a great way for a new dad to bond with his newborn.
What if my baby is born prematurely or needs to go to the newborn ICU?
Neonatal ICU (NICU) staff often encourages kangaroo care (or skin-to-skin holding –NICU style) in their special care nurseries. Numerous research studies have shown even very small premature infants reap the benefits of kangaroo care or skin-to-skin holding. Kangaroo care has been shown to reduce oxygen needs while stabilizing temperature, heart rate and blood sugar in sick and premature infants.
How can I do early skin-to-skin?
Speak to your doctor and labor nurses. Let them know you want to place your newborn skin-to-skin as soon as possible after birth. While recovering after birth, keep your baby with you in your room and hold them skin-to-skin as much as possible. If your infant is admitted to Newborn ICU, speak with your baby’s nurse and doctor to ask when you can do kangaroo care with your newborn.