The Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact After Birth
Skin-to-skin contact refers to placing a newborn baby directly on a mother’s bare chest immediately after birth. The baby is gently dried and remains in this position for at least one hour or until the first feed. This natural and powerful bonding method offers a wide range of physical and emotional benefits for both baby and parent.
Who Can Provide Skin-to-Skin Contact?
While often associated with mothers, skin-to-skin therapy is not exclusive to moms. Fathers and other close family members can also provide skin-to-skin contact, fostering bonding, comfort, and emotional security for the newborn.
Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact offers a range of scientifically supported benefits, including:
Calming and relaxing both baby and caregiver
Regulating heart rate and breathing, helping the baby adapt to life outside the womb
Maintaining body temperature - if the baby is cold, the mother’s body naturally warms them
Stimulating breastfeeding - The baby is guided by instinct, drawn by the scent of breast milk, and will slowly crawl toward the breast.
Boosting the immune system - healthy bacteria from the caregiver’s skin colonise the baby’s skin and support the umbilical cord’s protection
When Should Skin-to-Skin Contact Begin?
Ideally, skin-to-skin contact should start immediately after birth and continue for at least one hour or until after the first feeding. This early connection is critical in helping newborns transition to the outside world. The practice can be continued regularly as long as the caregiver and baby are comfortable and safe.
Ensuring Safety During Skin-to-Skin
To ensure a safe experience for both baby and caregiver:
Monitor the baby’s temperature, breathing, skin colour, and activity
Ensure the mother (or caregiver) is awake, alert, and in a semi-reclined position
Remove the baby if either party shows signs of distress or instability
Prompt medical attention should be sought if there are any concerns.
How to Do Skin-to-Skin Contact Correctly
Follow these guidelines to perform safe and effective skin-to-skin contact:
The caregiver should be semi-reclined, awake, and comfortable
The baby should be bare-chested, with dry skin and hair
A hat may be added if the room is cold
Position the baby chest to chest with the following:
Head turned to one side
Face visible, nose and mouth uncovered
Chin resting on chest, neck straight, and head above the breast
Continue to observe for any changes in the baby’s colour, breathing, activity, or temperature
Creating the Right Environment
For optimal results:
Eliminate distractions such as mobile phones or loud noises
Ensure the room has sufficient lighting
Take care that the baby is not trapped in bedding, clothing, or under the caregiver
Skin-to-skin in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Even when babies require admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), skin-to-skin contact - often referred to as Kangaroo Care - remains an essential form of bonding and comfort. While immediate contact might not always be possible, parents are encouraged to:
Offer prolonged skin-to-skin sessions when permitted
Provide a comforting touch and emotional presence
Be responsive to their baby’s behavioural cues
Skin-to-skin contact is a simple yet powerful practice that promotes health, bonding, and emotional connection from the first moments of life. Whether you are a mother, father, or family member, your touch and presence play a vital role in your baby’s development and well-being.
