The amount of time spent in uninterrupted skin to skin contact at birth and in the days following is a critical component to successful breastfeeding.
Research has shown that skin to skin:
- Improves mother/baby bonding
- Prolongs breastfeeding duration
- Calms baby - less crying, less stress hormones
- Stablises heart rate, temp, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, stable blood sugar levels. This all helps baby to adjust to life outside the womb.
- Encourages baby led feeding - its easy access and on tap!
- Colonises baby with mums flora
- The more skin to skin after birth and first few weeks, the better their brain development will be
- Releases oxytocin - known as the 'love' hormone which: causes the uterus to contract, increases mums temperature - keeping baby warm, promotes letdowns, helps mum feel calm and responsive and in love with baby.
