The Benefits of Skin to Skin with Your Newborn | Sheridan, WY Doula + Photographer
Did you know it’s encouraged to do 60 minutes of uninterrupted skin to skin time everyday for the first twelve weeks? If you can do it more, you’re encouraged to do it more. Your baby’s brain is growing at a quick rate and this can help aid in that growth. There are so many benefits to skin to skin for mom and baby. These are some of the benefits of skin to skin with your baby.
It releases hormones that relieves stress and stabilizes your baby’s temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood sugar.
Boosts the baby's immune system and protects against illness and disease.
Helps baby gain weight faster
Lowers mom’s risk of a postpartum mood disorder
Releases a hormone that lowers mom’s stress and promotes healing
Helps with breastfeeding and latch issues
Photo by Braidyn Looper Photography
Kangaroo Care AKA Skin to Skin
Skin to skin is also known as “kangaroo care.” The phrase “kangaroo care” was termed for its similarities to how marsupials carry their young.
In the 1970’s, they adopted this term in Bogota Colombia. Preterm infants were dying at a fast rate which included respiratory failure, infections, and lack of resources (warmers and breathing tubes). Low access to warming equipment meant it was time to use the resources they had… MOM! They started placing the infants on their mother’s chests and found those babies not only had a better survival rates, but they thrived. Who would have guessed? Sometimes all you need is your mom.
It was found during Kangaroo care that their mother’s body temperature changed to help regulate the baby’s temperature. Skin to skin is especially important for preterm babies, but EVERY baby can benefit from skin to skin with their parents. It has been proven and been found that skin to skin is medically necessary for babies.
Photo by Braidyn Looper Photography
How can you effectively do skin to skin OR Kangaroo care?
GET NAKEY! Remove their clothes down to the diaper and you down to a bare chest (NO BRAS). Place their chest against yours in an upright position. Cover your baby’s back to keep them nice and snuggly warm. Pregnancy, birth, postpartum are all very primal things. There shouldn’t be any weirdness or uncomfortable feelings about getting naked with your baby. If there is, take a deep breath and remember this… Their little bodies and brains thrive off it. You will thrive off it. Get naked with your favorite blanket and start the cuddle process.
Skin to skin or Kangaroo care is not only good for mom it’s great bonding for your partner too. It helps introduce your baby to new sounds, smells, and textures. It promotes a sense of trust between your baby and partner.
Did you know the benefits to kangaroo care or skin to skin? Let me know in a comment down below!