The benefits of contact Skin to Skin Contact for both mother and baby are multiple.
Throughout this post we will talk about the importance of making direct contact with your baby at birth.
The obstetrics team Institute of Dra. Gómez Roig respect this technique.
As long as there is no complication that prevents it, they will make sure that the baby has contact skin to skin with his mother from the first moment of birth.
What is skin-to-skin contact?
Skin-to-skin contact is a technique that involves placing the newborn in contact with its mother's skin immediately after birth. This practice is also part of the respected delivery.
The contact must be direct with the skin, there must not be towels or sheets interfering in the contact.
We must put a hat on the baby's head and cover it with a towel or a sheet so that it does not lose heat.
It is important that the baby's body is in contact with the largest surface of the chest and abdomen.
Contact must be uninterrupted for at least two hours.
The first care of the newborn, tests and controls must be carried out with the baby on top of the mother.
Multiple studies have concluded that This practice has multiple benefits. for both mother and baby.
organisms like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), among others, support the practice of skin-to-skin contact in newborns.
What are the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for babies?
The benefits of contact Skin to Skin in the Baby they are multiple.
First, it helps baby relax, stimulating the secretion of hormones such as oxytocin.
Oxytocin
La oxytocin it is essential in the milk production process, and its presence also helps to create and strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
The baby feels more secure and calm.
When the baby feels the smell and warmth of his mother, he will instinctively help her to look for the breast.
Why make the contact of the baby with the mother?
Among the experts in obstetrics It is recommended that the baby be in contact with the mother because:
- Promotes the Breastfeeding, favors spontaneous grasping and the possibility of having a successful lactation.
- Helps create a calm and intimate atmosphere.
- Reduces the stress produced by childbirth thanks to the decrease in cortisol.
- As a result, irritability and crying in the newborn will decrease.
- Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the fetal heartbeat and the baby's breathing, thus helping it to better adapt to extrauterine life.
- It favors the stimulation of the digestion process and the interest in eating.
- Reduces the probability of having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Promotes thermoregulation, helps maintain your temperature in normal ranges.
- Helps the baby improve their cognitive abilities and increase physical development.
- In addition, their skin benefits from the bacteria that the mother's skin has, this will help protect them from infections.
- Decreases the days of hospitalization in the hospital.
- It seems that this practice helps to connect with the baby, creating connections that will last a lifetime.
What are the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for the mother?
The benefits of skin-to-skin contact for the mother they are also many.
Mothers who have direct contact with their babies at birth tend to have less pain in the immediate postpartum period.
Improves the mother's mood and reduces the risk of suffering postpartum depression.
El skin-to-skin contact within 30 minutes of deliveryIt helps secrete oxytocin.
This hormone is necessary for the uterus to involute.
That is, it contracts and returns to its usual size after childbirth. In this way, the risk of the appearance of postpartum hemorrhage will decrease.
If the mother wants to make Breastfeeding, it is the ideal time to start it, since the baby is alert, favoring a good grip and good suction.
Reduces anxiety and stress in the mother and promotes attachment
Helps mothers bond with their babies earlier. It helps to get to know them better and understand their signals.
In mothers who have given birth by caesarean section, it helps to reduce fear and stress caused by the intervention. It helps them to regain control of the situation and promote the bond with the baby.
Reduces the perception of pain after the intervention. Therefore, it reduces the need for the use of analgesics.
It is also related to a lower incidence of admissions of babies to neonatal units.
Can all babies do skin to skin?
All babies should initiate skin-to-skin contact after birth regardless of the type of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean section.
It is only inadvisable in cases in which there is some maternal or neonatal complication.
If the complication is maternal, the baby could initiate contact with the father, a relative or with the health personnel.
If the baby needs to be admitted to a neonatal unit, contact could be initiated later, once it is stabilized.
The premature babies they can also benefit from skin-to-skin contact.
This technique in the premature baby is performed using the kangaroo method. It is done in the same way, direct contact, but using the kangaroo position.
the kangaroo position It consists of placing the baby in an upright position on the bare chest of the mother, father or health personnel, the head should be to one side and the ear close to the heart. Arms and legs should be bent.
The person doing the kangaroo method should wear an elasticated shirt, to make it much easier to wrap the baby.
El kangaroo it can be used until the premature baby is able to regulate his temperature, this usually happens around week 38.
This type of contact through the kangaroo method has been shown to be an alternative to the incubator. In addition, it reduces the risk of suffering from gastroenteritis and necrotizing enterocolitis. A serious and frequent disease in premature babies.
Can I do skin-to-skin if I have a C-section?
Yes. You can do skin-to-skin if the birth is by Caesarean section.
Sometimes babies are delivered by scheduled cesarean sections, and other times, during labor they may be delivered by emergency cesarean section.
In both cases, if the baby and the mother are well, there is no contraindication for it not to be done, the benefits remain the same.
Should we take any precautions during the time we do skin-to-skin with our baby?
Yes, it is important to take precautions while we perform skin to skin with our baby.
During the first hours of the baby's life, the midwife will be in charge of ensuring that the baby breathes well, has a good colour, tone and that it maintains its temperature.
The matron It will make sure that the baby is in an optimal and safe position so that it does not fall, and above all so that it can breathe well.
They will explain the changes in color and your baby's breathing, so that if there is any change, let her know.
You may be very tired after giving birth. If this is the case, your midwife will be watching over you, so that this technique is performed safely.
If you feel unwell, dizzy or feel that you are not safe doing skin-to-skin with your baby, you should notify your midwife. In this case, your partner could do it for you.
During the pregnancy control in the Institute of Dra. Gómez Roig You can ask all the questions that arise about skin-to-skin contact in the newborn.
Both the team of gynecology and Obstetrics, like our midwives, will be happy to answer any questions that may arise throughout your pregnancy.
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Nurse specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Midwife).
Diploma in Nursing from the Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir. Midwifery Specialty from the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.
Trained in Complementary Therapies, Aromatherapy and Hypnobirthing. Child Massage Educator by the Spanish Association of Child Massage (AEMI). She currently works as a midwife in the team of Dr. Gómez Roig.