Skin Contact Between Mother And Child Is Paramount After Childbirth

Immediately after delivery, there should be skin contact between mother and child, also called kangaroo treatment. It places the newborn baby on the mother’s abdomen or chest, and this can be done even before the umbilical cord is severed.

This can also be done days after birth. It benefits both the health of the baby and the bond between mother and child in many ways. In this article, we will tell you everything you need about this method.

Skin contact between mother and child after birth

Skin contact between mother and child after childbirth is something that humanity has accomplished throughout history. It is done almost unconsciously, as the mother wants to show affection for her newborn baby and protect this.

Birth is a difficult event for a baby as it ends the comfortable peaceful state the baby experienced during the months of pregnancy in the womb. The first contact with the mother can soothe and soothe the baby. For this reason, skin contact between mother and child after childbirth is important.

While this method is useful in many ways, in reality, many are not even aware of it. In the past, it has been done mainly out of instinct. As soon as assisted childbirth entered the picture, medical professionals stopped performing it.

How does it happen?

Skin contact between mother and child means that the  newborn baby is placed on the mother’s chest or abdomen. Often this is done without first cutting the umbilical cord. The child should be placed upright on the mother’s bare chest.

The baby should preferably also come into contact with the mother’s nipple, but the baby does not need to suck it. This should be done in both neonatal and caesarean sections. This position should be maintained for at least an hour.

This can also be done in the first hours of a baby’s life, meaning it doesn’t have to happen right after delivery. It is ideal to find auspicious moments of the day to enjoy this peaceful moment.

The mother should expose the breast completely and place the baby on top of it. In addition, the mother should cover both herself and the baby with a blanket so that the body’s temperature regulation is not disturbed. Remember that with a small baby, the system of adapting organs to the environment is still evolving.

In this way, both the mother and the child are more calm. Next, we will discuss the many benefits of this method. However, it is logical to assume that such close proximity reduces stress. Skin contact between mother and child can even help with the aforementioned temperature fluctuations, as it aids in homeostasis.

Benefits of the method

Numerous researchers have become familiar with the benefits of mother-to-child skin contact in recent years. According to a study published by the Cochrane Network, skin contact after birth reduces baby crying and improves mother-child interaction.

Experts note that it significantly deepens the emotional bond between mother and child. For example, a mother understands better the signs given by her baby, and communication begins to flow better. This allows the mother to meet the needs of her baby.

According to a review article by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, it also reduces the risk of postpartum depression. It would also appear to reduce the length of hospital stay after childbirth.

One of the benefits we mentioned earlier is the regulation of baby body temperature. In other words, it helps maintain proper body homeostasis, which is paramount to normal development at this stage of life.

A study by Enfermería Universitaria found that skin contact between mother and child after birth led to a longer duration of breastfeeding,  promoted uterine involution (return of the uterus to the pre-pregnancy state) and reduced the risk of infections, leading to reduced use of drugs in postpartum women.

Skin contact between mother and child is worthwhile whenever possible

Kangaroo treatment is natural and instinctive after childbirth and benefits both mother and child. However, it is true that it also has its drawbacks.

Progresos de obstetricia y ginecología  reports that at that particular moment, life-threatening complications for the baby can also occur, such as the possibility of heat suppression caused by compression. Nevertheless, this method should be encouraged by improving the preparedness of nursing staff.

If you are having a baby,  learn more about this method and how to implement it. Also enjoy that first contact with your little one at birth. This will ensure that your first contact with the outside world is not a traumatic experience for your newborn baby.