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Writer's pictureLihi Edelman Brudno

The importance of skin -to- skin contact

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is a practice where a newborn baby is placed directly on their parent's bare chest, with their skin touching. There are many advantages of skin-to-skin contact for both babies and parents, including:


Improved bonding: Skin-to-skin contact helps create a strong emotional bond between the baby and parent(s). It allows the baby to feel safe and secure, and helps establish a connection between the baby and their parent(s).


Regulated body temperature: A newborn's body temperature can fluctuate easily, but skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby's body temperature, ensuring they stay warm.


Reduced stress: Skin-to-skin contact can help reduce stress levels for both the baby and parent(s). It has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in both babies and parents.


Improved breastfeeding outcomes: Skin-to-skin contact can help improve breastfeeding rates by allowing the baby to smell and taste the mother's milk, and encouraging them to latch on and feed.


Better sleep: Babies who experience skin-to-skin contact often sleep better and cry less than babies who do not.


Overall, skin-to-skin contact is a natural and effective way to improve the health and well-being of both babies and parents. It is particularly beneficial for premature babies or those born with health problems, but can be practiced by any parent and baby.


If you have any questions/ comments about Skin-to-skin contact and its many advantages; contact me today!

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