Skin to Skin Contact in Newborn

Skin to Skin Contact in Newborn – Tips and Instructions

Skin to Skin Contact between you and your baby is encouraged as soon as birth takes place, whether you had a vaginal delivery or delivered your baby by cesarean section (C-section). Skin to Skin Contact may also be called kangaroo care. The close contact helps to keep your baby warm and calm. It also provides many other benefits.

Skin to Skin Contact may be done to support all newborn babies, including premature or low-birth-weight babies. It is done as early and as often as possible in the hospital and may be continued at home. It may also be used when your baby has a minor procedure done, such as having blood taken for testing.

How is Skin to Skin Contact done?

As soon as your baby is born, he or she will be placed on your bare chest in an upright position. A warm blanket may be placed over your baby. If you and your baby are both stable, you will be encouraged to hold your baby in this position for an hour. Watch your baby for feeding cues, like rooting or sucking, and help the baby to your breast for his or her first feeding.

Your partner may also choose to do skin-to-skin contact with your baby. This can be a special time to bond for both of you.

Your health care provider will show you how to do skin-to-skin contact as often as possible. Follow his or her instructions. While you are in the hospital, the process may look something like this:

  1. Your baby will be dressed in a diaper and cap.
  2. You will open or remove your shirt. If you are a female, you will remove your bra.
  3. Your baby will be placed on your bare chest, with your baby’s ear resting above your heart. If you are female, the baby will be positioned so that his or her head is between your breasts. Your health care provider will help to transfer the baby and position him or her for proper breathing.
  4. Your baby will be covered with a towel to keep him or her warm.
  5. You will lie back and relax.
  6. If needed, your baby’s heart and breathing may be monitored by the health care provider.

During the first week after birth, you will be encouraged to hold your baby, skin-to-skin, for at least 1 or 2 hours a day.

Can Skin to Skin Contact be done with premature babies?

Skin-to-skin contact can be done with premature babies who can breathe on their own and have no other serious health problems.

With a team of hospital support to guide you, skin-to-skin contact can be safely performed with preterm babies as young as 26 weeks old, including babies on assisted ventilation for breathing problems.

How often should Skin to Skin Contact be done?

You and your partner are encouraged to have frequent skin-to-skin contact with your baby while in the hospital and after you are discharged home.

Rooming in, or having your baby stay in the same room as you, will allow you to have skin-to-skin contact as often as possible while you are in the hospital.

What are the benefits of this contact?

For your baby, the benefits of skin-to-skin contact include:

  • Warmth.
  • Stabilization of heart rate, which can help to keep your baby calm.
  • Reduced crying.
  • Longer periods of sleep.
  • Improved breathing and increased oxygen.
  • Improved ability to breastfeed.
  • Improved weight gain.
  • Better bonding with parents.
  • Reduced length of stay in the hospital.
  • Lowered risk of infection.

You and your partner can also benefit from skin-to-skin contact with your baby. The practice will:

  • Help you feel close to your baby.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Give you confidence in the care of your baby.

As the mother, skin-to-skin contact with your baby will also:

  • Increase your breast milk supply.
  • Help you breastfeed more successfully.

Are there any precautions I should take before having this contact?

  • Use the bathroom prior to starting skin-to-skin time.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Be aware of your level of fatigue. Ask your partner to take over if you feel like you might fall asleep during your skin-to-skin time.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Avoid using any creams, powders, lotions, or perfumes.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Continue to practice skin-to-skin contact as you transition home. This is especially important during the first few weeks after your baby is born.
  • Practice skin-to-skin contact on a regular basis along with breastfeeding.
  • Encourage your partner to also have skin-to-skin bonding time with your baby.
  • If you practice skin-to-skin contact while on your feet or moving around, make sure your baby is secure and well supported in an upright position.

Seek Additional Information about skin-to-skin contact

For more information on skin-to-skin practices, visit:

Summary

  • Skin to Skin Contactbetween you and your baby is encouraged as soon as birth takes place.
  • You and your partner are encouraged to have frequent skin-to-skin contact with your baby while in the hospital and after you are discharged home. Be aware of your level of fatigue. Ask your partner to take over if you feel like you might fall asleep during your skin-to-skin time.
  • Rooming in, or having your baby stay in the same room as you, will allow you to have skin-to-skin contact as often as possible.
  • Skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby has many benefits, including better bonding between parents and baby, and better breastfeeding for the mother.
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