Benefits of skin-to-skin
Skin-to-skin contact (also known as kangaroo care) is placing a baby, naked or in a diaper, directly on the skin of a parent or caregiver. With my first, I remember sitting in the hospital and having him placed on me, skin-to-skin pretty quickly; it was a surreal moment and unforgettable bonding experience. During the first few months, I wore him in a wrap and sling around the house and on walks. When my twins were born, they were in the NICU for three weeks, and I didn’t get this immediate skin-to-skin, but I was encouraged by the nurses to do it as much as I could because of its many, many, many benefits (some known to last the first ten years!) Below are just a few ways skin-to-skin is beneficial for birth parents, supporting parents, other caregivers, and baby.
Regulates baby's heart rate, blood sugar, and body temperature
Allows other parent/caregivers to bond with baby
Some of my favorite products to facilitate skin-to-skin include:
If a carrier seems incredibly intimidating, check out Wild Bird or Solly Baby’s videos. Or contact me, and I can help you choose a carrier that’s right for you.