Your newborn – the first few hours
First contact – it all starts with skin-to-skin
Skin-to-skin (STS, also known as kangaroo care) is the practice of holding your baby, naked (except, perhaps for a nappy and hat), in an upright position against your bare chest.
Most expecting parents have heard about the importance of STS for both baby and parent. It's particularly crucial in the first few weeks, when your baby may need help to calm down and whilst you're establishing feeding.
All going well with the delivery, your baby can be placed straight onto your chest immediately after birth. Often your baby can remain in this position until after the first breast feed. Sometimes post-birth medical interventions can mean that STS is just not possible until a later time, but even so, delayed STS is just as beneficial, as soon as you're able to hold your baby.
Skin-to-skin has a number of important benefits for you and your baby
Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, at home or in NICU, STS is widely recognised as an integral component of neonatal care, improving developmental, physiological and psychological outcomes.
Why skin-to-skin is beneficial for your baby
It helps regulate your baby's heart rate, temperature and blood sugar levels
Releases hormones that trigger your baby's natural instincts to feed
It helps your baby to cue to you when they are wanting to feed
Your baby is more likely to attach to your breast appropriately
If your baby is upset, STS can help to calm them down
Why skin-to-skin is good for you
It helps you learn your baby's unique cues
It helps you to bond with your baby
It helps release the hormones that are important for making milk
Signs your baby is ready to feed during STS
Sticking out their tongue
Turning head from side to side
Wriggling and restless
Finding and grasping at the nipple and then latching onto the breast.
