As human beings, we are gifted with the five basic senses – touch, smell, hearing, taste, and sight. Of these, studies have shown that for human beings in general, the sense of sight is the most important. People are able to easily process and talk about what they see rather than the things that they taste, for example.

However, when it comes to newborn babies, it is their sense of touch that is most developed at birth. Since newborns grew inside their mothers’ bellies for nine months, being born and going outside for the very first time can be quite a disorienting experience. And when the umbilical cord that has physically connected the newborns to their moms and has been the baby’s source of nourishment is cut, that physical connection is severed as well.  

Medical professionals have long advocated for newborn babies to be immediately placed in the mom’s abdomen or chest at delivery whenever possible. That’s because skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby brings about plenty of benefits for both.

What is skin-to-skin contact? 

Skin-to-skin contact between mom and newborn is understood as the practice of laying the newly-dried newborn in mom’s chest, covered in a warm blanket immediately right after delivery. It is also referred to as kangaroo care, in reference to how mother kangaroos hold their young as soon as they are born.

The skin-to-skin contact between moms and babies upon delivery is rooted not just in the animal world but also in traditional cultures as an instinctive maternal response to welcoming a newborn into the world. But it’s not just limited to culture or traditional beliefs. Science has also supported skin-to-skin contact between moms and newborns after delivery as a tremendously helpful way of helping babies transition from the comfort of mom’s womb to being in the outside world for the first time.  

With touch being the most highly developed sense for newborns, facilitating skin-to-skin contact between moms and their babies after delivery is their initial way to communicate with each other. It is therefore important for moms to include their preference or wish for maximum skin-to-skin contact with their newborns in their birth plans. 

The benefits for moms and babies 

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact between moms and newborns go beyond establishing physical connection right after delivery. When moms and their babies are ready to come home, this practice should be continued when both are settled at home to enable them to reap these benefits. And it’s not just for moms. It’s also good to allow the dads or partners time for skin-to-skin contact with the newborn. 

But what exactly are the benefits of skin-to-skin contact? Why is skin-to-skin very important? 

Love hormones seal the bond.

When moms and babies touch, the physical contact facilitates the release of oxytocin or love hormones. The hormones bring a sense of warmth and comfort to moms and babies right after delivery. They help in establishing a strong physical and emotional bond between moms and babies right from the start of the baby’s life.

The love hormones also warm moms’ bodies which brings comfort to the baby and tempers any crying that may occur. A mom’s uterus contracts as well to stop bleeding during this process.

Skin-to-skin contact fosters the familiarity of the mother’s and the baby’s respective scents.

Skin-to-skin contact right after delivery enables mom and baby to recognize one another’s scent. After the sense of touch, the sense of smell of newborns is the next most developed. Being in contact with their moms through physical touch enables babies to get accustomed to mom’s scent. This familiarization will help babies find comfort in being physically close to their moms during fits of crying. 

Skin-to-skin contact triggers a baby’s instinct to find its mom’s breast and boosts breast milk production.

When babies safely nestle in their mom’s bosom, the physical touch and connection enable the babies to instinctively search for their mothers’ breasts and latch on for feeding and nourishment. This process is very important for any baby’s healthy development as the baby will benefit from the colostrum produced in mom’s breast milk right after delivery. Colostrum is the first milk produced by moms and received by babies upon breastfeeding, is packed with nutrients and immunity-boosting compounds. It helps lay down the biological foundation after your baby’s birth for healthy development. 

It has also been proven that skin-to-skin increases breast milk supply, as it increases the above-mentioned love hormone, which is also responsible for milk ejection.

Skin-to-skin contact helps both moms’ and babies’ bodies and emotions.

When moms and babies have skin-to-skin contact, the touch helps induce feelings of calmness and relaxation. The contact also helps to regulate a baby’s heart rate and breathing. Plus, the physical connection right after birth helps in regulating the temperature of both moms and babies. Moms also pass on friendly bacteria to their babies during skin-to-skin contact, thus helping babies get the protection that they need.

Skin-to-skin contact for premature babies

Babies who are born prematurely have the need to be stabilized. As soon as babies are stable and can be held for a period of time in a day, have skin-to-skin care time with your baby by holding them close to your chest for warmth and comfort. Doing so helps premature babies better respond to stress, facilitates better nerve system functioning, promotes better sleep and cognitive function.

How long should skin-to-skin contact be done?

The skin-to-skin contact that has been established right after delivery between moms and babies should continue beyond the initial hospital stay. Moms and babies who are home and now in the company of other members of their family need to continue their physical touch and connection through breastfeeding. Other activities that foster skin-to-skin contact include bathing, infant massages, and baby naps. 

The good thing about being home is that other members of the family can participate and have their own skin-to-skin contact with babies. Dads or partners can do regular infant massages or be in charge of bathing the babies. Grandparents can be in charge of sunbathing the babies. This also helps give moms some time off for themselves in the face of the continuing demand for baby care and nurturing.

Love, care, and nurturing through skin-to-skin contact.

Skin-to-skin contact and care between moms and babies greatly benefit the physical and emotional wellbeing of moms and babies. It is the ultimate expression of love, care, and nurturing between moms and their babies. Right after the baby’s birth, skin-to-skin contact and care should be established between moms and babies. 

If you need help finding ways for more opportunities for skin-to-skin contact and care for your babies once you get settled at home, postpartum doulas can provide the support and opportunities you and your partner need to incorporate mindful skin-to-skin contact and care with your baby. Doulas of the Valley offer skilled and loving care and support to your growing family after your newborn’s birth and once you are all settled at home.

For doulas who provide deep personal care and support in your most important journey, check out Doulas at the Valley.