In short: skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth stabilizes the temperature, blood sugar and heartbeat of the baby, reduces his stress and gives a powerful start to lactation. The WHO recommends it to all full-term newborns for at least 1 hour.
What is skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is when a naked or diapered newborn is placed on mom (or dad) on the bare chest and covered with a blanket. It sounds simple, but there is a serious physiology behind this simple action.
In the womb, the baby was surrounded by warmth, the sound of his mother's heart and familiar smells. Skin-to-skin contact recreates this environment in the first minutes of the outside world.
What happens to the baby during contact
Studies show that during 10-15 minutes of skin contact in a newborn:
- body temperature stabilizes – mother's skin works as a "thermostat";
- the level of sugar in the blood (glucose) rises - the risk of hypoglycemia decreases;
- heart rate and respiration are normalized;
- Cortisol (stress hormone) levels drop.
In addition, bacteria from the mother's skin are the first to "populate" the baby's skin and intestines, forming his immunity. This is especially important after a cesarean section - with a cesarean section , the baby does not pass through the birth canal and does not receive maternal vaginal flora.
What happens to mom
For a mother, contact is a powerful hormonal impulse:
- Oxytocin Release: Increases uterine contraction (reduces the risk of bleeding) and triggers a rush of milk.
- Growth of prolactin: lays down the "program" of lactation for weeks ahead.
- Reduced pain and anxiety.
Many moms describe the first skin contact as one of the most powerful emotional moments in life. But if you're tired or don't feel anything special, that's okay too: hormones are doing their job regardless of what you're "feeling" right now.
"Golden hour" and the first application
The first hour of life is called "golden": at this time, most healthy newborns are in a calm wakefulness and are actively looking for the breast. The rooting reflex instinct is now most pronounced.
There is no need to "teach" the baby to suck – if you leave him on his stomach/chest, he will find the nipple on his own (this is called "brest-crawl" – crawling to the breast). This process can take 20-60 minutes. Read more about the first attachment in the article breastfeeding in the first days.
Skin-to-skin contact with dad
If mom needs medical care immediately after giving birth, dad or another partner can provide skin contact. Studies show that kangaroos with dad are just as effective at stabilizing the baby's temperature and reducing stress. Plus, this is a very important moment for the formation of paternal affection.
Contact after cesarean
In the case of a planned cesarean section , skin-to-skin contact can be organized right in the operating room - the baby is placed on the mother's chest (under a sterile sheet) while the surgeons complete the operation. This is called "caesarean at will" or "soft caesarean." Ask about this at the maternity hospital in advance.
What to do if contact has been delayed
Sometimes contact is postponed for medical reasons: the baby needs resuscitation, the mother after general anesthesia, premature birth. In this case:
- Start skin contact as soon as the condition of both allows - even after a few hours, it has a positive effect.
- For premature infants, the kangaroo mother care method (SSC for several hours a day) is part of the standard nursing protocol.
- Lactation can be started by expressing colostrum - milk will come even if the first application was postponed.
When to see a doctor
Skin contact is safe for most full-term newborns. Tell your pediatrician or neonatologist if:
- the baby turns pale or blue, breathing becomes irregular;
- the baby does not respond to touch and sounds;
- the baby's temperature is below 36.5 °C after 30 minutes of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should you spend in skin contact?
WHO recommends a minimum of 1 continuous hour immediately after birth. Further - the more, the better, especially in the first weeks. For premature babies - several hours a day.
Is it possible to make skin contact at home, after discharge?
Yes, and this is a great practice. "Kangaroo" at home helps with colic, sleep disorders, stress of the baby. You can carry the baby on your chest in a sling.
Do I need to wash my baby before contact?
No. The original lubricant (vernix) on the baby's skin has antibacterial properties and moisturizes the skin. The WHO recommends postponing the first bath for at least 24 hours after birth.
Conclusion
Skin-to-skin contact is not an additional option, but a physiological need of the newborn. Simple and free, it gives more than many medical interventions. Ask for this in the maternity hospital and include it in the birth plan.
Bibliography
- WHO. Guideline: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in facilities providing maternity and newborn services. 2017. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550086
- Moore ER et al. Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27885658/
- AAP. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics. 2012.
- NICE guideline CG190. Intrapartum care. 2014. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550215
- Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Clinical recommendations: Normal delivery. 2021. https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. If a child's sleep is accompanied by alarming symptoms, a pronounced deterioration in health, problems with breathing, feeding or weight gain, it is necessary to consult a qualified medical specialist as soon as possible, and not rely only on information from the Internet.
