What is Skin to Skin?
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Labor and delivery puts a lot of stress on both mom and baby’s bodies. There are methods that can help relieve that stress while also promoting bonding. Skin to skin is a great way to do this.
What is skin to skin?
Skin to skin is when mom and baby are just that – skin to skin. Having baby’s chest against moms chest is how you can practice skin to skin. It’s important that baby be placed on mom, skin to skin, immediately upon birth if baby is stable. The first hour or two after baby is born is a sacred time for mom and baby to bond, uninterrupted, also known as the golden hour.
Learn more about the Golden Hour.
Why do skin to skin?
A mother’s abdomen and chest make for a warm and cozy place for their baby to snuggle on. One of the most significant reasons to do skin to skin is because it promotes bonding between mom and baby. The hormone oxytocin (the feel good hormone) is released after birth and with baby on moms chest it allows for both mom and baby to become acquainted with each other’s scents. This is important for imprinting and breastfeeding.
There are so many more incredible benefits to skin to skin contact with your newborn.
1. Breastfeeding outcomes
Like mentioned above, being skin to skin allows baby to smell the mother which triggers the baby to start rooting. This is an instinctive act where baby will start nestling around looking for the breast so they can begin breastfeeding. Typically, those who do skin to skin time with baby are going to breastfeed longer than women who do not.
2. Regulates body functions
Not only does skin to skin promote bonding it also helps stabilize baby
-regulates body temperature
-stabilizes heart rate
-improves breathing pattern, making it more regular
-known to relieve pain
-encourages growth
-supports healthy sleep
3. Brain development
Because skin to skin allows the body to be regulated and improves sleep, the brain is better able to develop. Skin to skin allows for a secure attachment in baby with their parents which leads to better emotional and cognitive outcomes.
4. Healthy weight
With the increased breastfeeding rates that come with skin to skin, it allows for healthy newborn weight gain. As well as the fact that baby’s temperature is regulated through skin to skin, the baby is able to conserve energy, allowing them to gain weight instead of burn it.
5. Benefits of skin to skin for mom
The benefits of skin to skin are not just for baby, there are also benefits for mom
-reduces postpartum hemorrhaging
-lowers risk of postpartum depression
-boosts milk supply
-pain and stress relief because of the release of oxytocin
How long should you do skin to skin?
It is recommended that you and baby have skin to skin contact for as long as possible. Anywhere from 8 to 24 hours a day.
Tips for comfortable skin to skin time
It’s a great idea to purchase comfy clothing items for yourself that can help facilitate skin to skin time. This can be a lightweight, cozy robe or a shirt that buttons or snaps. Skin to skin done immediately after birth should also be done without a bra on so baby is able to smell and find your breasts for breastfeeding.
Baby will be placed upright on your chest. To maximize your ability to smell and imprint with your baby, avoid placing a hat on the baby’s head. They will keep warm by simply being on your body, remember your chest helps regulate temperature, and covering them with a blanket. This means that baby only needs to be wearing a diaper. If you want them wearing clothes too then a kimono onesie works great for this.
Most importantly, relax. This is the best time to relax after the hard work you and your baby put in during labor. Snuggle up, rest and relax. Take in this special moment between you and your baby.
Want to learn more about changing your mindset in order to enjoy motherhood more?
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Who should be involved in skin to skin?
Mom isn’t the only one who can do skin to skin. Although, if mom and baby are healthy and stable immediately after birth then mom should be the first to do skin to skin with baby. If mom needs immediate medical care after the birth then dad should get right into skin to skin with baby following the birth.
Otherwise, dad and baby can have skin to skin after mom and baby get acquainted. Just like with mom, when dad is skin to skin with baby they are able to bond. With consistent skin to skin time, dads paternal instincts can be kicked in, similar to how mom’s maternal instincts are triggered with skin to skin.
There are also benefits for dad’s who do skin to skin. It gives dad the chance to learn baby’s cues, like hunger and sleepy cues. Skin to skin also helps dads be less nervous with their new baby and increase confidence. Of course, it also allows dad to bond with baby and can also relieve stress for dad.
Other caregivers can also do skin to skin with baby. This should be decided by mom and dad who can give skin to skin time with their baby
What happens if you don't practice skin to skin?
It has been observed that women who have delayed skin to skin time with their newborn aren’t as responsive to their babies’ cues. This can be seen as mom being more rough when handling the baby and not responding to a baby’s cries. It’s like skin to skin immediately after birth triggers a mom’s maternal instincts.
Babies who don’t get skin to skin have been known to create stress pathways in the brain and this is more likely to cause sleep disorders, ADD, colic and possibly more.
Skin to skin beyond the newborn stage
Skin to skin can continue past just newborns and older babies. It will evolve and look different with a 6 year old vs a baby but it can be continued. Some ways to continue this is through massage or bedtime cuddles. Also, when your child is sick, skin to skin can still have similar benefits to a young child as it does for a baby. Temperature can still be regulated through skin to skin with a 3 year old or 6 year old.
Final thoughts
Spending skin to skin time with your baby has a range of benefits. I found this time with my baby to be the sweetest part of the newborn time. Being cuddled up with my baby on my chest was incredibly relaxing and I enjoyed getting to know her and learning how to take care of her. It’s so incredible that just by holding and loving up on your baby that you are helping their health and emotional wellbeing.
And I will always encourage that mama snuggle their babies. <3
More on Natural and Empowered Birth
I created Natural and Empowered Birth because I want to help women have a positive birth experience.
I’ve always been fascinated by birth and love hearing other mama’s birth stories. Learning about how women can have a beautiful and empowering birth set me on a path to have one myself and now I want to help women have a great birthing experience too.
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