Skin to skin: What is it and why is it important?

As expectant mothers draw nearer and nearer to their due date, the term “skin to skin” is likely to enter the conversation. Put simply, “skin to skin” is just that - placing your newborn baby’s skin on your own immediately after birth. A simple concept, but the benefits are far more complex!

Skin to skin contact between a baby and mother during those very first moments of life has proven to be a critical opportunity for connection and communication, benefitting both the child and mother in many ways.

For a newborn baby, skin to skin encourages physical, emotional, and social development. According to Sanford Health, this includes:

• Ability to absorb and digest nutrients better
• Better body temperature maintenance
• Less crying
• Improved weight gain
• More stable heartbeat and breathing
• Higher blood oxygen levels
• Long-term benefits, such as improved brain development and function as well as parental attachment
• More successful breastfeeding immediately after birth
• Increased time spent in the very important deep sleep and quiet alert states
• Thermoregulation
• Stronger immune systems

For a mother, benefits include:

• More positive breastfeeding experience
• Improved breast milk production
• Likely to have reduced postpartum bleeding and lower risk of postpartum depression

Though the first 60 minutes of a baby’s life is the most critical when it comes to skin to skin, the cuddling doesn’t have to stop when you leave the hospital! Moms and dads alike are encouraged to do skin to skin at home as they continue to bond with their babies and help them adjust to life outside of the womb.

Sources: https://news.sanfordhealth.org/childrens/the-importance-of-skin-to-skin-after-delivery-you-should-know/