Why Skin-to-Skin Contact Right After Birth is Essential

Skin-to-skin contact, often referred to as “kangaroo care,” is a practice where the newborn is placed directly on the mother’s chest immediately after birth. This practice is highly beneficial for both the mother and baby, and its importance goes far beyond bonding. Skin-to-skin contact promotes better physical health, emotional well-being, and a stronger connection between mother and baby. In this blog, we will explore why skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is so important, highlighting its benefits for both the newborn and the mother.

What Is Skin-to-Skin Contact?

Skin-to-skin contact refers to placing the naked baby (except for a diaper) directly on the mother’s bare chest shortly after birth. This practice can be done regardless of the mode of delivery—whether vaginal or Cesarean section. The baby remains in close contact with the mother’s skin, often with a blanket or wrap covering both of them for warmth and comfort.

The mother’s chest is chosen as the preferred location for this contact because it provides warmth, comfort, and emotional security to the baby. Skin-to-skin care typically lasts for at least an hour after birth, although it can be continued for longer, depending on the circumstances.

Benefits for the Baby

1. Promotes Breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact is a natural way to help the baby latch onto the breast for the first time. Babies instinctively know how to search for the breast, and skin-to-skin contact encourages them to begin feeding. Early breastfeeding helps establish the baby’s immune system, provides essential nutrients, and strengthens the bond between mother and child. Studies show that babies who have skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth are more likely to latch properly and breastfeed successfully in the early days.

What You Should Know:
• The baby’s instinctual behaviors are activated, making breastfeeding more successful.
• Early breastfeeding promotes the production of breast milk and supports the baby’s immune system.

2. Regulates Temperature and Breathing

One of the baby’s immediate challenges after birth is regulating their body temperature. Skin-to-skin contact helps the newborn maintain a stable body temperature. The mother’s body naturally adjusts its temperature to keep the baby warm. In fact, skin-to-skin contact has been shown to be more effective at regulating a newborn’s temperature than using an incubator.

Additionally, skin-to-skin contact helps stabilize the baby’s heart rate and breathing. The close connection helps the baby adjust to life outside the womb more smoothly, which is critical in the first hours after birth when the baby is still transitioning to breathing air.

What You Should Know:
• Skin-to-skin helps stabilize the baby’s body temperature and oxygen levels.
• It promotes smoother transition from the womb to the outside world.

3. Reduces Stress and Promotes Calmness

The transition from the womb to the outside world can be overwhelming for a newborn. Skin-to-skin contact provides comfort and reduces stress for the baby, helping to stabilize their cortisol (stress hormone) levels. The baby’s heart rate becomes more regular, and they experience less crying and anxiety. This calming effect helps the baby feel secure, which is important for emotional development.

What You Should Know:
• Skin-to-skin helps reduce the baby’s stress levels.
• It calms the baby and fosters a feeling of safety and security.

4. Strengthens the Bond Between Mother and Baby

Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is a powerful way to build a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. The close physical connection triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” in both the mother and the baby. This hormone plays a key role in promoting attachment and maternal bonding. It also helps the mother feel more relaxed and confident in her new role as a parent.

What You Should Know:
• Skin-to-skin contact strengthens the emotional connection between mother and baby.
• The release of oxytocin improves bonding and fosters feelings of love and security.

5. Enhances Immune System Function

Newborns have underdeveloped immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infections in their first few months of life. Skin-to-skin contact helps to transfer important bacteria from the mother’s skin to the baby, which helps build the baby’s immune system. The exposure to these beneficial microbes helps prime the baby’s immune system, providing additional protection against infections.

What You Should Know:
• Skin-to-skin helps pass on beneficial bacteria from the mother’s skin to the baby.
• This helps the baby develop a stronger immune system and better protection against infections.

Benefits for the Mother

1. Promotes Milk Production

Skin-to-skin contact is not only beneficial for the baby—it’s also beneficial for the mother’s body. The release of oxytocin during skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate milk production and supports the milk let-down reflex. The early establishment of breastfeeding, coupled with the hormonal boost from skin-to-skin, can increase milk supply and support breastfeeding success.

What You Should Know:
• Oxytocin released during skin-to-skin helps stimulate milk production.
• Early breastfeeding support leads to a better milk supply for the mother.

2. Reduces Postpartum Bleeding

After birth, the uterus contracts to expel any remaining blood and tissue, and this process can lead to postpartum bleeding. The hormone oxytocin, which is released during skin-to-skin contact, also helps the uterus contract more effectively. This reduces the risk of excessive postpartum bleeding and promotes a faster recovery for the mother.

What You Should Know:
• Oxytocin helps the uterus contract, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
• Skin-to-skin contact promotes healing for the mother post-delivery.

3. Improves Emotional Well-Being

The act of holding and bonding with your newborn right after birth has a profound effect on the mother’s emotional well-being. Skin-to-skin contact can help reduce feelings of anxiety or sadness, and it plays a role in preventing postpartum depression. The calming effects of skin-to-skin help the mother feel more at ease and confident in her new role.

What You Should Know:
• Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate emotions and promotes relaxation.
• It is associated with lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety.

How to Ensure Skin-to-Skin Contact

If skin-to-skin contact is important to you, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider ahead of time. While most hospitals and birthing centers now support skin-to-skin contact, it’s a good idea to include it in your birth plan to ensure that your preferences are known. Even in cases of Cesarean section, skin-to-skin contact can still be facilitated once the baby is stable.

Conclusion: The Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact right after birth is a simple yet incredibly powerful practice that benefits both the baby and the mother. From regulating the baby’s temperature and heart rate to promoting breastfeeding and enhancing bonding, the advantages of skin-to-skin are clear. For mothers, it can help with milk production, emotional well-being, and recovery from childbirth. By prioritizing skin-to-skin contact, you can give your baby the best possible start to life while fostering a deeper connection with your newborn. Make sure to discuss this important practice with your healthcare team to ensure that it’s part of your birth plan.

-Dr.SA