The first time you meet your baby on the outside is a moment you’ll never forget. Did you know why experts encourage and recommend immediate skin-to-skin contact at birth? Research shows it has a powerful, positive impact on both you and your baby!
That warm, tiny body nestled against yours isn’t just heart-melting—it’s powerful. Skin-to-skin (S2S) contact is instrumental in regulating your baby’s temperature, stabilizing their heart rate, and helping them feel safe and secure in this brand-new world.
But did you know that S2S benefits go far beyond those first precious minutes after birth?
Why Skin-to-Skin Matters
Direct contact with your skin helps regulate their body systems from the second your baby is born. Your body’s heat allows your baby to maintain their temperature, reducing the risk of cold stress. In addition, their heart rate and breathing will sync with yours, promoting stability in their body systems and physical and psychological comfort. Plus, this closeness triggers the release of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which enhances bonding and supports breastfeeding.
However, it isn’t just about physical regulation. It also soothes your baby emotionally, helping them adjust to life outside the womb. Babies who experience frequent S2S contact tend to cry less, sleep better, and show more stable blood sugar levels.
Skin-to-skin contact doesn’t just benefit your baby—it also helps regulate you. Holding your baby S2S immediately after birth reduces postpartum stress, boosts the release of bonding hormones, and increases breastfeeding success. It also strengthens your attachment to your baby, helping you feel more confident in caring for your newborn.
Beyond the First Hours
While immediate S2S after birth is incredibly beneficial, don’t stop there! This practice can be part of your daily routine, whether it’s during feeding, after a bath, or simply as a way to calm and connect.
Did you know it’s not just for birthing parents—non-birthing parents can also experience the benefits? Holding your baby against your bare chest promotes bonding, increases confidence in caring for your newborn, and even helps regulate your baby’s body in the same way.
A Simple Yet Powerful Tool
The whirlwind of newborn life quickly draws you into focusing on everything you “should” be doing. But sometimes, the simplest things make the most significant impact. Whether recovering from birth, navigating postpartum emotions, or just soaking in those newborn snuggles, S2S is a powerful, natural way to nurture your baby—and yourself.
So find a comfy spot, cuddle up, and enjoy the incredible benefits of skin-to-skin contact. This practice supports your baby’s health, strengthens your bond, and reminds you that love, warmth, and connection are some of your best tools as a parent.
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