The importance of skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding

The importance of skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is the practice of placing a newborn directly on their parent’s bare chest, with their skin touching the parent’s skin.

 This type of contact can be especially beneficial during breastfeeding.

Some of the benefits of skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding include:

1. Improved bonding and attachment: Skin-to-skin contact can help promote bonding and attachment between a parent and their newborn.

2. Stabilized heart rate and temperature: Skin-to-skin contact can help stabilize a newborn’s heart rate and body temperature, which can be especially helpful for premature infants.

3. Increased milk production: Skin-to-skin contact can stimulate the production of breast milk and make it easier for the mother to initiate breastfeeding.

4. Enhanced immune function: Skin-to-skin contact may improve the newborn’s immune function and reduce their risk of infection.

5. Improved sleep: Skin-to-skin contact can help newborns sleep better and may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Overall, skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits for both the parent and the newborn. 

It is an important aspect of newborn care and can help promote bonding, attachment, and overall health.