Skin to skin contact is sometimes called Kangaroo care and is a lovely way for all mums and babies to spend time together regardless of how they are feeling.
- It helps calm baby after the birth or when they are stressed
- It helps your baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature settle after birth
- Your baby will cry less and feel safe
- Your baby will start to show you they are ready to feed.
- You will enjoy this time relaxing with your baby which helps you get to know each other
- Baby’s that are born early benefit from Kangaroo care; it helps them grow and reduces their stress levels encouraging them to feed when they are able to do so.
- It’s a lovely thing to do!
When should Skin Contact start?
We offer all mothers the opportunity to do skin contact as soon as possible after birth.
If baby or mother are not able to start skin contact after birth, we will offer this as soon as possible.
It is still possible if you have a Caesarean section – make sure you let the staff know you want to do this.
How do I do it?
Your Midwife will place your baby directly onto your chest in skin contact after delivery.
They will be naked initially but we can put a nappy on later if you want us to!
We will usually place a hat on baby to keep them warm and place some nice, warm towels or blankets over you and baby to help keep you both warm.
It is important that you can see your baby in skin contact at all times.
If you feel sleepy or unwell make sure someone stays with you when you baby is in this position.
Babies will usually start showing signs that they are ready to feed within an hour or two after delivery. They will sometimes move down to the breast ready to feed.
You can then offer the first feed in skin contact whether you are breast or formula feeding.
How long should it last?
Skin Contact should last as long as you want it to but at least for an hour or until after the first feed (whether you are breast or formula feeding).
It is a great way to get feeding established and to get to know your baby; do it whenever you want, as much as you want.
It is also a great way to encourage feeding and getting to know your baby at any time. It’s great to comfort an anxious baby and can be done at any time.
Ask for help if you have any questions.
