Skin-to-Skin: Your Postpartum Superpower

We’ve all seen the photos: a fresh newborn resting against their parent’s chest in the moments after birth. Skin-to-skin contact is at the top of most parent’s birth plans/goals - and for good reason! However, this technique is often forgotten about after birth, once the chaos of the fourth trimester settles in. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how skin-to-skin contact is actually your postpartum superpower - one that stabilizes your baby’s world while helping you find your footing in your new life together.

Skin-to-Skin - also referred to as Kangaroo Care - is the process of holding your baby, wearing only a diaper, against your bare chest (a light blanket can be added over you both if it’s chilly). 

This simple technique has physiological and emotional benefits for both the baby and parent involved. 

The practice is shown to regulate the baby’s heart rate and breathing, as well as their temperature, which is difficult for newborns to do on their own. For nursing parents, the technique spikes oxytocin, which triggers the let-down reflex and boosts milk supply. Skin-to-skin contact also transfers beneficial bacteria from the parent to the baby, helping build the infant’s immune system.

Emotionally, skin-to-skin contact is an incredible bonding tool for parents. Physical contact with your newborn can lower stress hormones and help build confidence with learning your baby’s cues. It’s also a helpful tool for soothing your newborn during moments of distress.

Let’s explore some myths around the use of skin-to-skin in the fourth trimester:

Myth #1: "You’ll make the baby too clingy."

Truth: You actually cannot "spoil" a newborn - in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Research shows that meeting a baby’s needs for proximity early on creates a secure attachment. When a baby feels safe and grounded in those first few months, they often grow up to be more independent and confident.

Myth #2: "They’ll never learn to sleep in their crib."

Truth: Skin-to-skin helps regulate a baby’s circadian rhythm and lowers their cortisol (stress) levels. A calm, regulated baby is actually much easier to transition to a sleep surface than a baby who is overstimulated or stressed. 

Myth #3: "It’s only for the birthing or nursing parent"

This is a big one!

Truth: It’s one of the best ways for a non-birthing parent and their baby to bond. They receive the same benefit of oxytocin release in their brain as mentioned earlier for nursing parents. Doing a bottle feed skin-to-skin mimics the intimacy of nursing and provides the same sensory benefits for the baby.

Skin-to-skin is a relationship-builder for the whole family. It’s the simplest, cheapest, and most effective way to help a baby transition from the womb to the world. So let this be your reminder to maintain that connection throughout your postpartum journey!