The importance of being skin-to-skin with your newborn.

One of the most beneficial practices after childbirth is skin-to-skin contact—often referred to as “kangaroo care.” This involves placing your baby directly on your bare chest where they can feel your warmth, hear your heartbeat, and smell your scent. Snuggling your baby in this way helps to create a secure bond from the first moments of life. Simply place your baby tummy-down on your chest, ensuring they are supported by your hands and your body is in a comfortable position. This closeness not only calms the baby but encourages better breastfeeding initiation, helps them regulate their body temperature, stabilizes their heart rate and breathing, and offers comfort as they adjust to the outside world.

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact are great for moms too. This practice triggers the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone," which promotes feelings of happiness and relaxation while reducing stress. Right after birth, oxytocin helps stimulate the uterus to contract, which assists in the expulsion of the placenta and reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This natural release of hormones supports mom’s physical recovery by helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Skin-to-skin contact provides a holistic approach benefiting both the emotional and physical well-being of mom and baby. It strengthens early attachment, promotes better physiological regulation for the newborn, and helps both of you recover from the stresses of childbirth. Studies show that babies who experience kangaroo care are less likely to experience issues like jaundice, have more stable body temperature regulation, and cry less. For mothers, this simple practice can create a sense of calm and reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression, making skin-to-skin a vital and cherished moment in the early days of motherhood.