Skin-to-Skin

After your baby is born, placing them on your bare chest is called skin-to-skin contact. In places where newborns need special care, like neonatal units, this is called “kangaroo care.”

You cover both of you with a blanket to keep warm. This lasts for at least an hour or until the baby feeds for the first time. This isn’t just for after birth, you can also do it whenever the baby needs to feel calm or close. This is good for both you baby and you. It helps you all feel close and has health benefits too like:

• Keeps Baby Calm:

  Both you and baby feel more relaxed.

• Healthy Body:

  Helps baby’s heart and breathing become steady.

• Helps with Feeding:

  Gets your baby interested in feeding.

• Keeps Warm:

  Helps keep your baby’s body warm.

• Fights Germs:

  Your baby gets good bacteria from you, which helps fight off sickness.

• Good for Feeding:

  It helps you make milk and helps with breastfeeding. It can also make you less likely to feel very sad after your baby is born, which is called postpartum depression.

Skin-to-skin contact is a simple but powerful way to bond with your newborn. It’s good for your baby’s health and yours. Both parents can do it, starting right after birth. Tell your birth team ahead of time if you want to do skin-to-skin. You can also write it in your birth plan.

If you had a caesarean-section or other medical help, you can still do skin-to-skin. Just talk to your midwife or consultant/doctor. If you need care right after birth, the other parent can also do skin-to-skin contact with your baby.

Remember always make sure your baby’s face is clear so they can breathe well, and check with your midwife or consultant/doctor if you have any questions.