The Importance of Skin-to-Skin

Skin-to-skin, also called kangaroo care, is a crucial first step in creating a bond between you and your baby that will promote the release of oxytocin and promote let-down.  Skin to skin regulates the baby’s temperature, blood sugar, breathing, heart rate, and calms a fussy baby.  Immediately following birth place baby on your bare chest between y our breast. Baby will lay there for a while and begin to familiarize himself with the new surroundings. It may take some time (1-2 hours), but a newborn can actually find, crawl to, latch, and breastfeed on their own! All around the world, women are experiencing the breast crawl phenomenon.  Here’s a link.  Discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider.   A good way to begin the conversation is by developing a birth plan.  A birth plan outlines your wishes for your birth experience.  Please visit our website for a printable birth plan worksheet.  

Key points:

¨ Skin-to-skin helps baby acclimate themselves with their new world

¨ Promotes release of “feel good” lactation hormones

¨ Skin-to-skin immediately after birth and as often as possible

¨ Create and discuss your birth plan with healthcare provider