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| Photo credit to James Theophane https://m.flickr.com/photos/_theo_/ |
There is an increasing awareness in the birth community of the sacredness of a mothers first contact with her newborn. Long gone are the days when infants were lifted by one leg and soundly smacked on their tender bottom. Women are owning the rite to catch their baby the minute they are birthed into this world and taking back that special time.
"Mothers, reach down and let your hands be first thing they feel. Take them from the cold air into your warm breast and surround them with your smell and rhythm." S.Wolf
Skin-to-skin care is nothing more than delaying the swaddling or clothing of baby immediately after birth and placing them to your chest, covered in a warm blanket, then enjoying the amazing bonding time you worked so hard for.
10 Benefits of Skin-to-skin or Kangaroo care:
- Calms and sooths
- Reduces crying
- Improves quality of sleep
- Accelerated brain development
- Regulates body temperature
- Enhances immune system
- Reduces risks of postpartum
- Promotes psychological wellbeing in mom
- Speeds recovery
- Improves Breastfeeding duration and success, increase milk supply
Are you planning to BREASTFEED? Amazing research proves that skin-to-skin contact can actually increase the time a baby nurses!
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In one study on UNICEF's website The Baby Friendly Initiative, a group of 1250 Polish children were followed for 3 years from birth in order to study the influence on breastfeeding of skin-to-skin contact after birth. "The authors conclude that mother-infant skin-to-skin contact lasting for LONGER than 20 minutes after birth increases the duration of exclusive breastfeeding." The infants that were kept with their mothers for at least 20 minutes were exclusively breastfed for 1.35 months longer and weaned 2.10 months later than those who had no skin-to-skin contact after delivery.
"Fathers will be empowered to care for their baby and not feel helpless or useless, becoming central to the caring team"
- Kangaroo Mother Care
Fathers should be included in this wonderful bonding time. When mom is unavailable or ready for some self care time, this is the perfect opportunity for dad to step in. In pre-term birth or birth to twins or triplets fathers care is absolutely invaluable to mom and this time together can help strengthen the connection.
Benefits of skin-to-skin contact for Dad:- Better bonding
- Emotional healing
- Calmness
- Able to read baby’s unique cues for hunger or stress
- Improved sleeping
Kangaroo care can extend past the first few hours after birth and is actually encouraged. There are may ways to take advantage of this, including slings and wraps that will keep baby close and mothers hands free.
For more information on Kangaroo care and the benefits of Skin-to-skin contact please check out these resources:
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