The Magic of Skin-to-Skin Care

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As a working parent, juggling the demands of your job alongside the joy and responsibilities of parenthood can feel like a monumental task. Amidst the whirlwind of diapers, feeding and sleep interruptions, finding moments to connect with your newborn can be both precious and essential. One powerful way to strengthen your bond and promote breastfeeding is through skin-to-skin care.

Skin-to-skin care, also known as kangaroo care, involves holding your newborn against your bare chest, providing a multitude of benefits for both parent and child. Incorporating this practice into your daily routine can have profound effects on your baby’s development and your overall well-being.

Benefits for You Baby

1. Regulate Body Temperature: Your body acts as a natural thermostat, helping to regulate your baby’s body temperature, keeping him warm and comfortable.
2. Stabilize Heart Rate and Breathing: Close contact with your skin can help regulate your baby’s heart rate and breathing patterns, promoting calm and relaxation.
3. Supports Breastfeeding: When a mother provides skin-to-skin care, the close proximity to her breast can help stimulate her baby’s feeding instincts, leading to sufficient milk production.
4. Enhances Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, promoting feelings of trust and attachment between parent and child.

Benefits for You:

1. Increases Confidence: Skin-to-Skin care fosters a sense of closeness and connection, boosting your confidence as a parent and reinforcing your ability to care for your newborn.
2. Strengthens Bond: Spending quality time in close physical contact with your baby strengthens the bond between parent and child, laying the foundation for a secure attachment.
3. Enhanced Communication: Close contact helps parents pick up on signs of hunger and discomfort. Skin-to-skin care also aids in ensuring breastfeeding gets off to a good start.

How to Practice Skin-To-Skin Care:

1. Find a comfortable position, ensuring that your baby’s skin is in direct contact with yours.
2. Remove any clothing or blankets that may create a barrier between you and your baby’s skin. Your baby should only be dressed in a diaper.
3. Consider using a light blanket over your baby’s back to cover both of you. Support your baby’s head and neck to ensure they are in a safe and secure position.
4. Take this time to watch your baby and enjoy the intimate connection.

Skin-to-skin care can begin immediately after delivery and can be done by both the mother and father. As your baby gets older, skin-to-skin care continues to be beneficial in enhancing the relationship. So, embrace the magic of skin-to-skin care and cherish these precious moments with your little one.

To learn more about the benefits of skin-to-skin care, visit Baby Gooroo.

Learn why skin-to-skin care matters in breastfeeding by visiting Medela.

The information contained on this page is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.