SKIN-TO-SKIN…DOES IT MATTER

Skin- to- skin, what is it, and is it important? Skin-to-skin is when your baby lays on your chest with no clothes between you. Yes, it is very important.  It will help both mom and dad bond with their baby.

How you do skin-to-skin is very important. Baby skin must have full contact with mom and dad's skin. There should be no clothes between them. Here are the following steps to place your baby skin-to-skin.

1.      Remove your shirt, and bra or open your shirt in the front to expose your chest.

2.      Place a hat and diaper on the baby.

3.      Place the baby’s tummy against your chest.

4.      Place a blanket on the baby’s back to keep him/her warm.

 Skin-to-skin is very beneficial for mom, dad, and baby.  Skin-to-skin helps with bonding for both mom and dad.  It will reduce the baby’s stress. Both mom and dad will transfer immunity to the baby to increase the baby’s immune system. And for mom skin-to-skin may improve her milk supply.

Skin-to-skin should begin as soon as possible after delivery. It is preferred to start skin-to-skin within the first hour of delivery.  Remember it decreases the baby’s stress so putting your baby skin-to-skin immediately after delivery gives your baby a welcoming start to this new world.

Studies show placing baby skin-to-skin after a cesarean section helps with breastfeeding success. If you know you are having a C-section or if you weren’t planning a C-section but end up having one; make sure the nursing staff knows to put your baby skin-to-skin as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many moms who have a C-section do not get the opportunity to place their baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth. This has been shown to cause breastfeeding problems. Let your healthcare provider know you want your baby place skin-to-skin as soon as possible.

Go to our YouTube channel @keeper-ofourhaven for more information and a link to a video on the first hours of life.

Be blessed on your breastfeeding journey. Comment below if you have any good skin-to-skin information to share with others. Iron sharpens Iron.