01/6Benefits of skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby

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Becoming a parent is one of the greatest joys in life. You, along with your partner, have given birth to someone, who you'll love and care for your entire human existence. The moment you hold your baby in your arms, you'll be full of wonder and in awe. The baby's face, its smell, its tiny human features, will all leave you in amazement. Not to say, all of these moments help strengthen your bond with the child.

But there's one more thing that can particularly benefit you and your child. According to research skin-to-skin contact with the baby can provide several health benefits to not just the newborn but also to the mother.

Also read: Should you give water to your newborn baby or just milk will suffice?
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02/6How skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby works

How skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby works
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Skin-to-skin contact refers to the practice of drying and laying down the newborn baby directly on the mother’s bare chest after birth, wherein both the mother and the child are covered in a warm blanket and left for at least an hour or until after the first breastfeed, explains UNICEF. This practice is also known as kangaroo care. This technique is said to regulate the baby's heart rate and breathing, helping them cope better with the outside world.


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03/6When can you start?

When can you start?
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Regardless of whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, skin-to-skin contact can be practiced straight after delivery. This depends on your and your baby's medical condition. If both are stable, you can ask the doctor to hold your baby right after birth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby immediately after birth when the mom is awake and stable. According to the health body, the practice should be at least an hour long and all the urgent procedures and tests should be done in this position only.


Also read: Neonatologist explains how they saved a premature baby girl born in just 6 months, weighing only 400 gm!

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04/6Ways it benefits the baby

Ways it benefits the baby
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Skin-to-skin contact can provide several health benefits to both the mother and the baby. As far as the babies are concerned, they experience a dramatic change in their surroundings after birth. Being placed skin to skin with the mother helps them adapt to that change faster and more effectively. The method is said to improve their heart and lung functions, while also helping their body temperature to stabilize. Furthermore, it makes it easier for the baby to initiate breastfeeding. Research claims that skin-to-skin contact stimulates a part of the newborn's brain that encourages them to move towards their mother's breast. This helps in their physical development.


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05/6What it means for the mother

What it means for the mother
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With the help of skin-to-skin contact, parents, both mother and father, can develop a strong bond with their child. It is believed that the practice helps the parents release hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, and endorphins, which help them bond better with their baby.

In mothers, it also helps balance out the hormones associated with lactation, improving breast milk production and encouraging a positive breastfeeding. Research has also said that mothers who perform skin-to-skin contact with babies also have a lower risk of postpartum depression.


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06/6A dad's guide to skin-to-skin contact with the baby

A dad's guide to skin-to-skin contact with the baby
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Kangaroo care is not just limited to mothers, rather dads can also step in and take part in skin-to-skin care.

Besides helping you develop a stronger bond with your baby, you are also likely to feel more confident as a father. Furthermore, you are as capable of making your newborn feel safe, helping in regulating their body temperature and their heartbeat.

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