Skin-to-skin contact with the baby
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After birth, skin-to-skin contact is a special moment for the baby and its parents. This contact has several benefits for the newborn, whether premature or full-term. Skin-to-skin contact allows the baby to gently experience the transition from the uterus, in the mother's womb, to the outside world.
What is skin-to-skin contact?
Skin-to-skin contact often occurs immediately after birth. It should also continue, without interruption, for the first 2 hours of the baby's life. This practice is also recommended for all healthy newborns.
During skin-to-skin contact, the baby is placed naked (or only in nappies, with or without a hat) directly on his mother, chest to chest. If the mother is not able to practice skin-to-skin contact, the father or the other mother can replace her.
The baby and the parent can also be covered with a warm blanket. When the baby is in skin-to-skin contact, he feels safe. He feels the warmth of his parent and smells his scent. He also hears the heartbeat of his mother or father, recognizes his voice and perceives the softness of his skin.
These sensations will facilitate breastfeeding, among other things. Indeed, they trigger innate behaviours (sucking and breastfeeding) in the newborn, which encourages him to breastfeed by himself. In the mother and father, skin-to-skin contact triggers the production of oxytocin, especially when the baby is premature.
This hormone then causes a reduction in parental stress and anxiety and a better response to the baby's behaviours. It also strengthens the parent-child bond.
To do at home:
Skin-to-skin contact can also be practised after leaving the birthing centre, for one to two hours per day, until the baby is 6 weeks old.
Skin-to-skin contact is recommended for all babies because of its many benefits. For example, it is useful for babies who have difficulty latching on properly. Thanks to its relaxing effect, skin-to-skin contact allows these babies to be better disposed during feeding, and therefore to be more competent at the breast.
Skin-to-skin contact is also beneficial for the breastfeeding mother. It promotes positive feelings about breastfeeding. The warmth and feeling of security provided by skin-to-skin contact can also relieve an uncomfortable baby. The baby will then be able to sleep more peacefully.
The benefits of skin-to-skin contact for babies:
Several positive effects of skin-to-skin contact have been observed in newborns.
Stabilize body temperature: A baby will be warmer in skin-to-skin contact than if he or she is simply placed fully clothed in his or her mother's arms. One study found that breast temperature increases by 0.5°C in 2 minutes during skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth.
The temperature remains this way for up to 10 minutes after the contact with the baby ends. The heat produced during skin-to-skin contact is transmitted to the baby, which helps stabilize his or her body temperature. It has also been noted that the heel temperature of babies in skin-to-skin contact is 2°C higher than that of babies placed fully clothed in their mother's arms.
Stabilize heart rate: A baby's heart rate stabilizes more quickly during skin-to-skin contact, especially if it is done right from birth.
Stabilize blood sugar levels: Babies in skin-to-skin contact have higher blood glucose levels. This therefore reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia, i.e. having too low a blood glucose level.
Facilitate breastfeeding: When babies are in skin-to-skin contact, they instinctively make the right movements to latch on to the breast. The first feeding can then take place earlier. Babies in skin-to-skin contact are also more likely to suckle in the right way. In addition, the production of oxytocin caused by skin-to-skin contact stimulates the mother's milk ejection reflex.
Moreover, it is not uncommon to see milk flow from the mother's breasts during skin-to-skin contact. Its practice therefore promotes exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers who have practised skin-to-skin contact often breastfeed longer. They also report a greater sense of self-efficacy (ability to achieve a task) with regard to breastfeeding.
Reduce crying and stress When babies are separated from their mothers right after birth, it causes them stress. They then express their distress by crying. On the contrary, skin-to-skin contact promotes relaxation in babies. Babies who are placed in a crib cry about 10 times more than those who are in skin-to-skin contact.
According to a study, babies in skin-to-skin contact with their father stop crying within 15 minutes. In addition, skin-to-skin contact that continues for more than an hour after birth can reduce the baby's stress level. Reduce the sensation of pain Some newborns need to have heel pricks or injections. Being in skin-to-skin contact during these procedures can reduce the pain they feel.
Skin to skin contact with premature babies:
In the case of premature birth, before the 37th week of pregnancy, skin-to-skin contact is encouraged as soon as the baby's condition allows it.
Some Safety Rules:
It is important to follow some basic safety rules when practising skin-to-skin contact with your baby. When you are in skin-to-skin contact with your baby, make sure that:
- his face is always visible;
- his mouth and nose are clear, and his chin is slightly raised;
- his neck is not bent forward or backward;
- his head is turned to the side;
- his shoulders and chest are facing his parent;
- his legs are bent;
- his back is covered with a blanket. Also, if you feel tired and want to sleep, place your baby on his back in a small bed or entrust him to another person who is awake and can care for him.