How to Maximize Skin to Skin Contact with Baby (Kangaroo Care)

Studies show skin-to-skin, alternately called kangaroo care, is good for babies, citing how when new babies are immediately placed on their mother’s uncovered chest they’re likely to colonize their mother’s familiar bacteria, instead of the unfamiliar, possibly dangerous, bacteria in the hospital, also showing that new mothers are less prone to the “baby blues” when such bonding occurs. New babies pressed to their mother’s skin, the closest thing to their lost habitat, also show fewer stress signs, greater confidence in breastfeeding, and better growth. Enacting kangaroo care is further shown to effectively stabilize baby’s temperatures, blood pressure and sugar levels.

Key Takeaways:

• Skin-to-skin care, or kangaroo care, is when baby is placed naked (or in a diaper) onto Mom’s bare chest.
• Called Thermal Synchrony, Mom’s chest heats up to warm a cold baby, or cools down if baby is too warm.
• Oxytocin and other attachment-forming hormones are released when baby is skin to skin with Mom, helping her feel nurturing towards baby.

“Skin-to-skin care, or kangaroo care, is when baby is placed naked (or in a diaper) onto Mom’s bare chest.”

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