Skin to skin

June 19, 2018

Benefits from a physical, emotional, relational point of view. After spending 9 months 'nearby', childbirth represents a strong source of stress for the unborn child and new mother. Skin to skin, or skin to skin contact, is now considered an ideal solution for both subjects. Basically, it involves putting the baby in contact with the mother in the first hour after delivery and for at least 60 minutes, so that the baby finds its balance after the effort of birth, to then identify the nipple and latch on. It has been proven that the newborn is able to understand where the mother's nipple is, primarily with the help of smell and taste.

Other benefits: ■ after a physiological birth, once the first fundamental checks have been carried out, the newborn is immediately placed on the mother's chest, covered with a warm towel. Through the voice and the first caresses, the mother lays the foundations for the mother-child relationship ; ■ the contact helps to keep the newborn's body temperature constant and to overcome the sudden changes in temperature after delivery; ■ the newborn calms down . At the same time, the release of oxytocin in the mother is promoted, a hormone that serves both to prepare the breast for the production of colostrum and to help contractions of the uterus, preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Furthermore, immediate contact with the baby could help the mother to work through the mourning that involves suddenly finding herself 'empty'. Skin to skin has proved to be even more useful as a therapy for premature babies : it is a real cure that takes the name of kangaroo mother care (kangaroo mother care) and which favors the neurological, psychological and physical development of the baby.

Even after discharge from the hospital, the chest will be the best place for the baby to get used to life outside; here he will be comfortable and warm, and the benefits of mother-child bonding, peace of mind and breastfeeding will continue well after birth. By Laura Sciolla | Taken from Being Born a Mom