Skin-to-Skin
With skin-to-skin your baby is placed on your bare chest wearing only a diaper and hat and will be covered with a warm blanket. The baby snuggles on your chest covered with a blanket, just like a kangaroo’s pouch. Doctors say that holding a baby skin-to-skin is the “best care” for your baby. Skin-to-skin helps regulate your babies’ temperature and heart rate after delivery.
Frequently asked questions about skin-to-skin contact:
- Why is skin-to-skin the “best care” for mom and baby?
- Helps your baby move to the outside world easier because he can hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth.
- Helps to keep your baby warm.
- Helps baby maintain a good heart rate and breathing rate.
- Your baby will cry less and sleep more.
- Your baby can be held skin-to-skin during procedures.
- Your baby will have better brain development.
- Your baby may take the first feeding at your breast, which is the best care you can provide for your baby.
- You will have more milk and more success with breastfeeding.
- You will have better bonding and feelings of closeness.
- You will feel more confident caring for your baby.
- How do I do skin-to-skin at birth?
- Immediately after birth, your baby will be dried off and placed on your chest.
- Both you and the baby will be covered with warm blankets.
- Your baby may take the first feeding at the breast.
- You and your baby may remain skin-to-skin for up to two (2) hours.
- Do not hand the baby to family members or friends during this time as your baby will get cold.