Newborn babies can be soothed by skin-to-skin contact with their parents. The soothing feeling of skin-to-skin contact helps newborns regulate their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate and helps in their growth and development. It’s also a wonderful way to bond with your newborn.
What is skin-to-skin contact?
Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, is a common care method for newborns. Mothers or fathers can hold their baby on their chest without clothing, having skin-to-skin contact. The baby can hear and feel his or her parent's breathing and voice, which soothes them. Skin-to-skin contact can help a baby adjust to life outside the womb.
What babies receive skin-to-skin contact?
Any infant can benefit from skin-to-skin contact.
All parents can use skin-to-skin contact to promote bonding and good health of their baby.
Skin-to-skin contact benefits growth and development
Skin-to-skin contact can:
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Increase breast milk production in mother
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Increase bonding between parents and their baby
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Regulate heart rate and temperature
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Regulate sleeping patterns
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Promote weight gain
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Promote healthy feeding habits
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Decrease stress in mother
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Decrease infection risks
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Decrease crying
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Decrease hospital stay
Ask your provider how skin-to-skin care can benefit your newborn and what you can do to help.
