The Healing Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Newborns
Welcoming a new life into the world can be one of the most miraculous experiences for any family. However, it is also a time of great change, adjustment, and vulnerability, especially for the little one who is experiencing the world for the very first time. One way that you can help to ease the transition for your newborn is through skin-to-skin contact, sometimes also referred to as kangaroo care. Let’s dive deeper into what skin-to-skin contact is, and the numerous benefits it provides not just to the baby but also to the birthing and non-birthing parent. Let’s dive deeper into what skin-to-skin contact is, and the numerous benefits it provides not just to the baby but also to the birthing and non-birthing parent.
What is skin-to-skin contact? Simply put, it is the practice of placing a newborn baby, naked except for a diaper, directly onto the bare chest of the parent. This can happen immediately after birth and anytime within the first few weeks of life. It is suggested that this contact be uninterrupted for at least an hour or longer, depending on the emotional and physical readiness of baby and the parent. At home, if you can only get 20 minutes or so in at a time, that’s great too.
Why is skin-to-skin contact important? The answer is simple: it promotes a sense of safety, trust, and bonding between parent and baby. It creates an environment that is warm, calm, and nurturing which helps to regulate the baby's breathing, body temperature, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, this contact helps decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression and can enhance the overall breastfeeding experience for the birthing parent.
Benefits to the baby: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to have numerous benefits for newborns, including better weight gain, breastfeeding success, and longer periods of deep sleep. It can help to reduce the frequency and severity of crying, colic, and reflux in the early weeks of life. It also promotes the production of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a significant role in emotional bonding and social attachment.
Benefits to the birthing parent: Taking part in skin-to-skin contact can help birthing parents feel more confident, empowered, and in tune with their newborn. As it encourages the release of oxytocin, it can also help to reduce postpartum bleeding and stress levels. It provides an opportunity for the parent to gain a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in the early stages of parenting.
Benefits to the non-birthing parent: Skin-to-skin contact is not only limited to the birthing parent; it is something that the non-birthing parent can engage in as well. It provides an opportunity for both parents to connect with their newborn and build their own sense of connection and closeness. It provides an opportunity for the non-birthing parent to take an active role in parenting and build their own sense of confidence, skills, and joy.
skin-to-skin contact is a simple, yet effective way for newborns, and parents to ease into the world of parenting. The benefits of skin-to-skin contact go far beyond the physical realm and promote a sense of emotional well-being that is vital to early parenthood. As a caretaker of a new life, it is essential to remember that the transition from womb to world can be a vulnerable time. But, with the aid of skin-to-skin contact, parents can create a safe, nurturing, and loving environment conducive to aiding in the adjustment period for all parties involved.
