A Parents’ Guide for Skin-to-Skin Contact with their Infants

Pregnancy, Birth &Beyond  defines skin to skin contact as:

“The method of caring for newborn infants which involves putting the infant on the mother’s chest skin-to-skin. Skin-to-skin contact is an important component of a method of newborn care called “Kangaroo Care”. In skin-to-skin contact, the baby is placed between the mother’s breasts dressed only in a diaper, and possibly a hat, so that frontal body contact of mother and infant is skin-to-skin; the infant and mother are covered, and the mother provides warmth and stimulation that simulates the prenatal environment.”

In essence, this is a natural method of bonding. It is used to help babies adjust easily to life outside the womb. The womb has a controlled temperature, life outside of the womb is different. Infants need help for the first few weeks of their lives to adjust to the different temperature.

 

Benefits of Skin to skin

• Boosts baby’s mental development

Mother and the baby exchange sensory information that promotes “baby like” behavior: rooting and searching for the breast, latching on well, staying calm, breathing more naturally, staying warm (adjusting to life outside the womb), maintaining body temperature.

• Makes breastfeeding easier as you produce milk easily

The same hormonal change that is activated in baby’s body, also occurs in the mother. She is able to produce milk rapidly.

• Promotes healthy weight

Because baby is connected emotionally with the mother, she will be able to notice when her baby is hungry much easier, and as a result of steady milk production, healthy weight is an added benefit.

• Reduces baby’s stress and pain

The stress hormone, Cortisol, is reduced and the”cuddle hormone” Oxytocin, is increased. This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to make babies feel calm and safe.

• Promotes bonding with dad

Skin to skin is not limited to mothers alone. Any human being that can ‘feel’ emotion and provide warmth can enjoy this natural method of bonding. So,that means grandparents, siblings and adoptive parents can practice this too.

• Reduces the risk of post partum depression

As a result of the hormonal changes, the mother also has the “cuddle hormone” Oxytocin, released in her system. This reduces the risk of getting the overwhelming feeling that she cannot handle a new born baby.

In Nigeria, most doctors or nurses do not promote skin-to-skin contact for mother and child. You can request for this personally. There is no reason why babies cannot be skin to skin with their mother immediately after birth for at least an hour. Hospital routines, such as weighing the baby, should not take precedenc