Skin-to-skin contact (SSC), often referred to as “kangaroo care,” involves placing your naked newborn directly on your bare chest immediately after birth. This intimate practice typically lasts for at least an hour, ideally during what is known as the “Golden Hour,” the first precious moments after birth.
During this time, your baby is often covered with a warm blanket to keep them cozy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) all advocate for this practice, underscoring its significance regardless of whether you plan to breastfeed.
This practice is named “kangaroo care” because it mimics the nurturing behavior of kangaroo mothers, who carry their young in a pouch attached to their bodies for warmth and safety.
While kangaroo care sometimes refers specifically to skin-to-skin contact combined with exclusive breastfeeding, it is generally synonymous with SSC. The benefits of this intimate connection extend well beyond the delivery room, providing ongoing comfort and security for both baby and parent.
Understanding Skin-to-Skin Contact
Below are detail information about this method:
What Constitutes Skin-to-Skin Contact?
Skin-to-skin contact refers to the practice of holding your baby against your bare skin, typically on your chest. Ideally, this contact should occur immediately after birth, even before the umbilical cord is clamped or the baby is cleaned. This crucial early bonding time allows the infant to acclimate to their new environment and fosters a sense of security.
While immediate skin-to-skin contact is defined as occurring within ten minutes of birth, early SSC can still be beneficial when done within the first 24 hours.
The hormones released during this initial contact promote bonding and breastfeeding readiness. However, the benefits do not end after the first hour or day; regular SSC over the following weeks can enhance the emotional and physical health of both parent and child.
The Importance of Timing
The first hour after birth is a sensitive period for newborns. During this time, they experience a surge of maternal hormones, which helps them instinctively move toward the breast and initiate nursing. This early bonding can lay the foundation for successful breastfeeding and a strong emotional connection.
Dr. Layan Alrahmani, a board-certified ob-gyn and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, emphasizes the long-lasting impact of skin-to-skin contact: “SSC shouldn’t be limited to only the first hour or day, but used in the days and weeks to come. It’s important to remember that the positive effect is cumulative.”
Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Newborns
Skin-to-skin contact has numerous benefits for newborns, ranging from emotional comfort to physiological stability.
1. Comfort and Reduced Stress
One of the most immediate benefits of SSC is its calming effect. Newborns often experience stress during the birthing process, and SSC can provide them with a sense of security. Studies show that babies who receive more skin-to-skin contact cry less and sleep more soundly. This reassurance can help ease the transition from the womb to the outside world.
2. Stabilization of Vital Signs
Newborns struggle to regulate their body temperature and maintain stable heart rates. Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby maintain a stable body temperature, as your warmth provides a comforting environment.
Research indicates that babies who experience SSC have more stable heart rates, breathing patterns, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. This physiological stability is crucial as newborns adapt to life outside the womb.
3. Enhanced Breastfeeding Success
One of the most significant advantages of skin-to-skin contact is its role in facilitating breastfeeding. Newborns placed on their mother’s chest often instinctively nudge their way toward the breast, initiating nursing. Studies show that babies who experience SSC latch on more easily and tend to breastfeed for longer periods.
A large-scale study involving over 1,000 mothers across 150 hospitals found that 90 minutes of uninterrupted SSC significantly increased the likelihood of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. The early breastfeeding rate among babies who experienced SSC was approximately 93%, compared to 68% for those who did not.
This connection between SSC and breastfeeding success can have lasting effects, as shown in a Cochrane review of 38 studies involving over 3,400 women, which indicated that mothers who practiced SSC were more likely to continue breastfeeding for months postpartum.
4. Infection Protection
Immediate skin-to-skin contact before cleaning the newborn can also lower the risk of infection. During vaginal births, beneficial bacteria are transmitted to the baby, which helps establish their immune system. By delaying cleaning, you allow your newborn to benefit from this natural exposure, reducing their likelihood of developing infections.
Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Moms
Skin-to-skin contact is not just beneficial for newborns; it also provides significant advantages for mothers.
1. Reduced Risk of Postpartum Stress and Depression
Following birth, mothers can experience a range of emotions, including anxiety and postpartum depression. Skin-to-skin contact triggers the release of beta-endorphins, hormones that promote relaxation and calmness. Furthermore, SSC enhances the production of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones critical for bonding and breastfeeding.
A study evaluating over 1,800 women during pregnancy and two months postpartum found a strong correlation between skin-to-skin contact and decreased feelings of fear and guilt associated with childbirth. This effect was especially pronounced in mothers who underwent C-sections.
Another study found that mothers who engaged in SSC during their C-sections reported improved bonding and less postpartum anxiety. For mothers of low-birth-weight infants, practicing skin-to-skin contact reduced the risk of moderate to severe depression by 25% at four weeks postpartum.
2. Increased Responsiveness to Baby’s Needs
Skin-to-skin contact fosters an instinctual responsiveness in mothers. A study conducted on mother-baby interactions found that mothers who did not engage in SSC at birth were less responsive to their baby’s cries. Conversely, mothers who practiced SSC tended to become more attuned to their infant’s cues, enhancing their parenting confidence and responsiveness.
Special Considerations for Premature Babies
The advantages of skin-to-skin contact are particularly pronounced for premature infants. A WHO study involving over 3,000 preterm or low-birth-weight infants demonstrated that those who received immediate kangaroo care had lower mortality rates at 28 days than those receiving conventional care.
Kangaroo mother care is one of the most effective interventions for preventing death in low-birth-weight infants. The benefits of SSC for premature babies include:
- Improved Neurological Development: SSC supports brain development, enhancing cognitive outcomes.
- Better Growth Rates: Premature infants benefit from improved weight gain and growth when receiving regular skin-to-skin contact.
- Pain Management: SSC has been shown to decrease the pain associated with necessary medical procedures, such as blood draws.
- Temperature Regulation: The practice helps stabilize heart rates and breathing patterns in preemies.
- Enhanced Sleep Patterns: Infants engaged in SSC often display more restful sleeping patterns, promoting overall well-being.
As a result of these benefits, many preemies who receive skin-to-skin care experience shorter stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Premature babies can begin skin-to-skin contact as soon as they are stable enough for the practice to be safe, although adjustments may need to be made for any necessary medical equipment.
What to Do If Skin-to-Skin Contact Isn’t Possible Immediately
In some cases, immediate skin-to-skin contact may not be feasible. If your newborn requires urgent medical attention due to health concerns, addressing those needs is the priority. However, rest assured that skin-to-skin contact can be initiated later on, and your baby will benefit from it at any time.
If you have a C-section, you may not have the option of placing your newborn on your chest while still on the operating table. However, many hospitals are increasingly offering immediate skin-to-skin contact during C-sections, so it’s worth asking about this option.
In situations where immediate SSC isn’t possible due to complications or challenges during delivery, consider asking your partner or another loved one to initiate skin-to-skin contact in your place.
The Role of Dads in Skin-to-Skin Contact
Yes, dads can (and should) practice skin-to-skin contact with their newborns! SSC with dads or other partners offers many of the same benefits as SSC with moms. The comforting presence of a parent helps regulate the baby’s heartbeat and temperature and creates a sense of security.
Research indicates that newborns who receive SSC from their fathers shortly after birth experience more stable heart rates and temperatures, cry less, and begin feeding sooner than those who receive routine care.
For fathers, the experience of SSC can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression while enhancing their sense of identity and role as a parent. In studies involving fathers in NICU settings, those who engaged in kangaroo care reported feeling more relaxed and confident when interacting with their fragile infants.
Dr. Alrahmani emphasizes that “any parent can do skin to skin. It’s a great opportunity for bonding with the baby, and I recommend doing it whenever feasible.”
Continuing Skin-to-Skin Contact Beyond the Newborn Stage
Skin-to-skin contact is not limited to the first hour or day after birth; it can be beneficial well into the following months. Holding your baby against your skin fosters a strong bond and can facilitate breastfeeding. Your baby benefits from your body heat, heartbeat, and the soothing sounds of your voice.
Opportunities for Continued Skin-to-Skin Contact
You can practice skin-to-skin contact during various daily activities, such as:
- During Feedings: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, skin-to-skin contact can enhance bonding.
- During Diaper Changes: Engaging in SSC during diaper changes can create additional intimate moments.
- During Bath Time: A warm bath followed by SSC can be a relaxing experience for both you and your baby.
- During Naptime: Holding your baby skin-to-skin during nap time helps reinforce that sense of security.
- When They’re Fussy: SSC can be soothing during times of crying or fussiness, providing comfort and calm.
Lasting Impact
Research indicates that skin-to-skin contact positively affects the parent-child relationship over time, fostering secure attachment and emotional resilience as the child grows. Parents who consistently engage in SSC often report feeling more attuned to their child’s needs and emotions, which leads to a deeper understanding of the parent-child bond.
Conclusion: Embracing Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact offers a myriad of benefits for both newborns and parents. From physiological stability and improved breastfeeding success to emotional well-being and enhanced bonding, the advantages of SSC are profound and far-reaching.
As you embark on the beautiful journey of parenthood, consider incorporating skin-to-skin contact into your routine. Whether you’re a mother, father, or partner, the moments spent in close contact with your newborn will create lasting memories and strengthen the bond you share. Embrace this invaluable practice, and enjoy the magical connection that skin-to-skin contact fosters between you and your baby.
Incorporating skin-to-skin contact into your parenting experience can lay the foundation for a lifetime of love, trust, and security. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can profoundly impact both you and your newborn, creating a nurturing environment where both thrive.
