Any mom who places her newborn baby on her chest will understand the importance of skin-to-skin contact. But when it comes to dad and the days that follow, how can skin-to-skin contact impact your new little family?
Bonding
That first moment when your baby is placed on your chest is like no other. 9 months of waiting, hours of labour, and suddenly this little person you’ve been dreaming about is here and lying on your chest. This exact action releases the ‘love hormone’ which is known as Oxytocin. There’s a reason why your baby’s cries begin to quieten down when they’re finally resting against you - this extra special hormone has the power to reduce stress and anxiety in both of you. Your baby has been listening to your heartbeat for 9 months and after the chaos of childbirth there’s nothing they want more than to hear it again in surround sound! It is this reason why hospitals and medical professionals encourage skin to skin as soon as your baby is born - for both mom and dad.
Security
Just like other mammals, we associate family with different smells. Think of your newborn who has just come into the world. Whilst they know your voice and heartbeat, they’re not quite sure what you smell like yet. Being on your skin allows them to build up a unique scent profile for you and your partner so they feel instantly safe. The more they grow to learn this, the more they will gravitate towards you as they get older - they know where home is and they will come to you for comfort.
Physiological Benefits
Part of the reason skin-to-skin is encouraged so quickly after childbirth is because it helps both mom and baby recover in several ways.
Temperature regulation
No matter what size your baby comes out, they are a lot colder than you! By being directly on your chest / skin they can warm up much quicker than if placed in a blanket and cot.
Heart rate and breathing
Put simply, listening to your breathing and heart rate helps them to regulate their own. A steady heartbeat and calm breathing signals to your little one that not only are you safe but that they are too.
Breastfeeding
Just as skin-to-skin can encourage the release of oxytocin, it can also release prolactin which can encourage your milk supply. Essentially, your body knows your baby is here, is hungry and needs to be fed. This also prompts your baby’s instinctual feeding habits and they start to look for your breast. As failed latching can be one of the many reasons breastfeeding doesn’t work out for some moms, skin-to-skin after birth is suggested to be one of best ways to encourage successful breastfeeding.
Bonding beyond mom
Whilst your baby has been cooking away in your tummy, your partner has been on the outside for them. Skin to skin is a great way for your partner to bond with your baby. As their main food source and source of comfort during the newborn stage, it is easy for your baby to latch on to you in more than one way - meaning dad can feel left out. The same effects of a controlled heartbeat and breathing apply when baby has skin-to-skin with dad, but for dad the effects are even greater. Men can experience increased levels of dopamine (the happy hormone!) and reduced levels of testosterone. This ensures a positive experience with your baby from the very beginning. Dad feels connected and fulfilled, and baby can enjoy his increased levels of heat that maybe mom doesn’t have! In the last decade or so, medical professionals have been encouraging dad to remove his top layer of clothing so he can enjoy the full experience.
Future development
The benefits of skin to skin goes beyond those first few months for your baby.
Mature immune systemThe best way to protect your baby is to get them used to the world around them - and in the future this means playing outside and picking up just about everything the school playground has to offer! But when they are babies, their surroundings are much more limited. Through skin-to-skin, your baby can pick up your ‘positive’ bacteria known as microbiome and start to build up their immune system.
Reduced risk of infectionWith an enhanced immune system due to your skin to skin contact, your baby is at less risk of infection which is so vital during those early days and as they begin to grow.
Improved sleepA baby who knows how to regulate their temperature, heartbeat and breathing is much more likely to have improved sleep.
Parental confidenceWhile we’ve discussed the benefits for your baby at length, there is a huge benefit for parents too. That first embrace with your little one may feel a little fraught as they are so small. However, this is your first confident step in being a parent. You’ll get more and more used to being close to your baby and having them close to you.
Self confidenceThere is much research that suggests that those first hours after your baby is born may be some of their most important. A baby that has bonded with their parents and feels safe and secure will carry those feelings into their toddler stages and beyond. This helps to create a confident young individual who knows they can go to you for comfort - creating a great foundation for a strong parental-child relationship.
You can continue to practice skin-to-skin beyond the newborn period all the way up to their toddler phase - although they may not be able to fit quite as snugly under your chin! While skin-to-skin is important after childbirth, it’s equally important to know that if you need a break you can always find a solution for your baby that emulates you.
