Skin to Skin

You've heard about it. You think its a great idea. But do you know why its so important? Keep reading! 

1.) Your baby stays warm. Studies have shown that babies who are placed skin to skin on their mother (or father) are able to regulate their temperature faster and have it stay at a steady rate for longer. Placing baby skin to skin is even more effective than an incubator. Read more on that here. 

2.) Breastfeeding is more successful. When you choose to breastfeed, one of the best things you can do is feed it early and often. Staying skin to skin with baby enhances the chances that baby will latch early. Read more about that here. 

3.) Babies gain weight more quickly and grow faster. In a study done on low birth weight newborns, it was shown that babies who were skin to skin with mom or dad had more positive outcomes in weight gain, head circumference and grew in height. Check out this cool study here. 

4.) Heart rate, breathing and blood sugar regulation. Read more here. 

5.) Both you and baby will be less stressed. In this study, it was shown that the stress hormone cortisol was decreased in both mother and baby when the baby was being held. There have been other studies showing that babies cry less when held skin to skin. This could be due to the reduced stress on both parts of the dyad. 

All in all, it is important to ask your provider about skin to skin regardless of if you have a vaginal or cesarean birth. In most cases, there are options available for you to get this precious time with your baby. 

Contact Northwest PA Doulas at (814) 315-2525 or nwpadoulas@gmail.com to set up your free consultation today!