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1.

The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Care

Skin-to-skin breastfeeding is a technique in which a mother holds her baby against her bare skin, typically with the baby's head near her breast. This method of breastfeeding has been practiced for centuries and has many benefits for both the mother and the baby.

One of the most significant benefits of skin-to-skin breastfeeding is that it helps to establish and maintain a strong bond between the mother and the baby. This is because the skin-to-skin contact releases hormones such as oxytocin, which promotes feelings of love and bonding. Additionally, the close proximity between the mother and the baby during skin-to-skin breastfeeding can help to calm and soothe the baby, which can improve the mother's ability to cope with the demands of motherhood.

Another benefit of skin-to-skin breastfeeding is that it can help the baby to regulate its body temperature. This is especially important in the first few hours and days after birth, when the baby is still adapting to the outside world. By holding the baby against her skin, the mother can provide a warm and stable environment, which can help the baby to maintain a normal body temperature and reduce the risk of hypothermia.

Skin-to-skin breastfeeding can also have a positive impact on the baby's physical health. Research has shown that babies who are held skin-to-skin against their mothers are more likely to latch on correctly and maintain a healthy weight. This is because the close proximity between the mother and the baby during skin-to-skin breastfeeding can stimulate the baby's natural instincts and help it to find the breast more easily.

In addition to these benefits, skin-to-skin breastfeeding can also be beneficial for the mother. For example, it can help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression by increasing the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. Furthermore, skin-to-skin breastfeeding can also help to stimulate the mother's milk production, which can reduce the risk of engorgement and improve her overall breastfeeding experience.

In conclusion, skin-to-skin breastfeeding is a simple and effective technique that can have a positive impact on both the mother and the baby. Whether you are a first-time mother or a seasoned pro, this method is an excellent way to promote bonding and support the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

 

NOTES FROM DR. BARBARA MORRISON

As baby is born, many internal systems go through rapid transitions:

  • Heart & blood circulation: Fetal circulation which allows much of the blood to by-pass the lungs transitions to adult circulation allowing blood to become oxygenated as it passes through the lungs

  • Lungs: With baby’s first breath the lungs expand and begin to function, loading blood cell with oxygen and ridding the body of carbon dioxide.

The definition of skin-to-skin care needs to go before the benefits

 

Skin-to-skin care

Skin-to-skin care (SSC) is the prolonged holding of a diaper-clad neonate to the bare chest of the mother shortly after birth. It facilitates and strengthens the maternal-infant bond, in turn bettering the health and wellness of each. The therapeutic effects of SSC have been widely researched and discussed. Despite its popularity, however, new mothers may not know nor understand the nuances of SSC, thereby discontinuing its practice too soon to reap all available benefits.

KMC

NOT an intervention

Foundational part of the life course

Routine &

continuous care for every baby

 

After birth Mother and baby are still a   single unit

Mom provides the habitat baby needs to adapt, grow & mature.

The dyad, mother and baby, and their    reciprocal, symbiotic, interdependent relationship is to be nurtured with     wonder and respect.

(Morrison, 2017)

  1. Strong attachment relationships

Attachment is the scaffolding for all of development

  • A special, enduring form of emotional relationship with a special person

  • It involves soothing, pleasure, and comfort

  • The loss or threat of loss of the                                 special person evokes distress

  • The child finds security & safety                              in the context of this relationship

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