The Benefits of Skin to Skin After Birth
6 Profound Benefits of Skin-to-skin After Birth
The moment your baby is placed in your arms and laid there on your chest may be one of life's most invaluable moments. That feeling isn’t just etched in your memory; it's etched in your very being. The way our bodies and our baby’s body work together in tandem to both regulate and prepare for the next phase of life is truly remarkable!
So what is skin-to-skin? It’s the practice of placing your baby against your own body immediately post-birth. They are completely fresh and naked and you share the warmth of your body and skin with them. This nurturing ritual isn't exclusive to birthing parents; partners can also embrace it. It's a profound way of shepherding the journey from the womb to the world.
As we delve into the astounding advantages of skin-to-skin contact, we'll unravel the science, the magic, and the extensive healing benefits of skin-to-skin. And the importance of holding space for this golden time for all families regardless of their birthplace or circumstances.
Emotional Connection & Bonding
The emotional connection fostered through skin-to-skin contact is a deeply moving and transformative experience for both parents and their newborn. This intimate act triggers the release of powerful bonding hormones, such as oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." Oxytocin promotes feelings of warmth, closeness, and affection, creating an emotional resonance that solidifies the parent-child relationship from the very beginning. As parents hold their baby against their bare skin, the flood of oxytocin not only strengthens their emotional connection but also encourages the newborn to respond in kind. This initial interaction sets the stage for a secure attachment between parent and child, forming a foundation of trust and love that will shape their relationship in the days, months, and years to come. The emotional impact of skin-to-skin contact transcends words, offering a profound testament to the beauty of human connection.
2. Baby’s Physiological Regulation
One of the most poignant and scientifically important aspects of skin-to-skin time is found within the physiological and physical effects it has on your baby as they transition earthside. It plays a crucial role in regulating the baby's heart rate, breathing, and temperature. The nurturing warmth of a parent's skin helps to keep the baby's temperature stable, an especially vital factor during the initial hours after birth when the baby's thermoregulation system(ability to stay warm or regulate their body temp) is still developing. Skin-to-skin contact also contributes to stabilizing the baby's blood sugar levels after birth and as they transition from having all of their nutrients given to them while in the womb to experiencing the feeling of hunger and need for milk. Then even beyond that, Skin to skin serves as a booster for the baby's immune system, capitalizing on the proximity to the parent's skin and the unique bacteria. This close contact exposes the baby to a range of healthy skin bacteria that, remarkably, play a significant role in training the infant's immune system to fend off potential infections.
3. Increased Milk Supply
While Skin to skin plays a role in helping baby to regulate it also has a physical effect on your body as well through increasing and initiating your milk supply. Holding baby skin to skin triggers a release of oxytocin in both the mother and baby. The milk supply is intricately linked to this hormone, and skin-to-skin contact serves as the signal from their body to yours to begin creating milk. It's a beautiful synergy of nourishment and nurturing: as oxytocin surges from the warmth of skin to skin, milk production is stimulated all with the goal of producing milk for feeding and nourishing the baby. While breastmilk can be stimulated in other ways like pumping or hearing the sounds of a baby’s cry, skin-t-oskin is one of the most effective ways.
The release of oxytocin not only helps with milk production but also encourages a sense of calm and relaxation in both the mother and baby. This relaxed and peaceful state can further enhance the breastfeeding experience by creating an environment of comfort and connection. This time can also initiate the baby's natural reflexes, which are finely tuned to seek out nourishment. When a baby is left naturally against the body of the parent producing milk, that gentle pressure and closeness of skin-to-skin contact can trigger the rooting reflex, guiding the baby toward the mother's breast in a seamless dance of instinct.
4. Reduced stress and crying
Studies have shown that when a baby is nestled against their parent's chest, both of their stress levels go down. The warmth, the connections, the bonding, and the oxytocin all work together to bring a natural calm.
The magic of skin-to-skin is that in most ways it is reciprocal, while it calms the parent and offers relief and healing it also works wonders in reducing a baby's stress levels, which often results in less crying. When a baby is held skin-to-skin, they feel the reassuring warmth, heartbeat, and familiar scent. This closeness triggers a cascade of calming hormones that help the baby relax. Studies have shown that babies who experience frequent skin-to-skin contact tend to cry less and are generally more content. It's as if the physical connection acts as a soothing balm, creating a serene environment for both the baby and the parent. Beyond those early days, skin-to-skin-to-skin can reduce stress and crying throughout the newborn season and even early childhood years. When in doubt skin-to-skin actually can help with a lot of struggles within the postpartum season and early childhood. It forces us to slow down and connect. It asks us to be present with one another, listen, and to become in tune with our bodies.
5. Improved Cognitive Development
Lastly, it’s the impact of skin-to-skin on a baby's cognitive development that is truly remarkable. This practice goes beyond the immediate physical closeness; it actively contributes to stimulating a baby's senses and fostering their brain growth. During skin-to-skin contact, the baby is exposed to an array of sensations—like the parent's heartbeat, breathing, and skin warmth—which play a vital role in honing their sensory processing skills.
The ritual of skin-to-skin has been found to significantly promote brain development. This contact triggers the release of essential hormones such as oxytocin (as we’ve discussed) but also cortisol, both of which are pivotal for the development of the brain. Additionally, the healing warmth of skin-to-skin contact enhances blood circulation to the brain, ensuring optimal growth and function.
Studies have shown that babies who engage in skin-to-skin contact for at least an hour daily exhibit more advanced cognitive development at 12 months of age compared to those without regular skin-to-skin interaction. Additionally, babies who enjoy skin-to-skin contact for at least 2 hours per day showcase superior cognitive development at the age of 24 months. The profound effects of skin-to-skin contact on a baby's cognitive journey cannot be overstated, demonstrating the power of this simple yet transformative practice.
In the wondrous journey of parenthood, the ritual and practice of immediate and ongoing skin-to-skin time emerges with profound meaning, offering an array of healing benefits that extend into childhood and their whole lives. As we've explored, the intimacy of skin-to-skin not only forms a foundation for strong emotional bonds and successful breastfeeding but also nurtures a baby's cognitive development and even aids in stress reduction.
It's a bridge that seamlessly connects the instinctual with the scientific, proving that the simple act of holding your newborn close carries immense power.
However, let us also remember that each family's path is unique, and circumstances might sometimes lead to a different initial experience. For those who weren't able to engage in immediate skin-to-skin contact due to high-risk situations or urgent medical needs for their baby, know that the magic of skin-to-skin extends its embrace into the early days, weeks, and even years of childhood. Whether it's that first touch, a gentle cuddle, or a heartwarming skin-to-skin nap when your little one has a fever, skin-to-skin remains a potent tool that can be harnessed at any moment, offering lasting and bonding benefits for your baby's growth and development. The journey of parenting is long and beautiful, having this tool to return to as a way to connect, slow down, and heal is truly magic.
