What is skin-to-skin contact?
While the terms kangaroo care and skin-to-skin contact are often used interchangeably, their meaning can differ slightly in the context of labor and delivery. During this time, skin-to-skin contact refers to when your baby is cleaned off and then placed on your chest immediately after birth to kickstart breastfeeding and foster bonding.
A study done in 2021 has also found that immediate skin-to-skin contact with very low birth weight or premature babies is associated with decreased infant mortality. Because the ideal duration or how long to do skin-to-skin after birth can vary depending on each patient’s needs, it’s important to consult your care team for personalized guidance.
Why is skin-to-skin important for newborns?
The origin of kangaroo care actually started with premature babies back in the late 1970s. It was used as an alternative to incubators to help babies stay warm using the body heat of their mom so that they can reserve the rest of their energy for growing. Besides temperature regulation, skin-to-skin contact can also help stabilize babies by regulating their heart rate and breathing, reduce stress, and improve sleep, leading to the promotion of overall well-being and growth.
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