Skin-To-Skin Contact Method
Have you heard about the skin-to-skin method? This method, also known as the kangaroo method, is a method where the naked infant is placed directly on the bare skin of the mother or another close caregiver, ideally within the first hour after birth, a period known as the "golden hour". Research has demonstrated that the skin-to-skin method offers substantial benefits for both the mother and the newborn. This is one of the primary reasons that health organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization, recommend rooming-in methods where the mother, both parents or another significant relative stay in the same room as the newborn from the day of birth. Rooming-in methods, where the parents are in close proximity to their infants for the majority of the time (zero separation, full rooming-in, partial rooming-in), allow more time to engage in skin-to-skin contact and enjoy the benefits of this approach.
The benefits of the skin-to-skin contact method
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Helping the newborn in the transition stage
This method facilitates a smoother and more tranquil adaptation for the newborn in the transition from the intrauterine environment to the external world.
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Regulation in the transition stage
Skin-to-skin contact from the moment or day of birth helps the newborn regulate their body temperature, as well as their heartbeat, blood pressure, and even their blood sugar levels.
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Alleviating pain
The skin-to-skin method alleviates pain by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) in both mothers and newborns. Research has shown that postpartum mothers following cesarean delivery who have chosen to practice the skin-to-skin method with their newborns experienced reduced pain levels compared to mothers who did not engage in skin-to-skin contact. Later on, these mothers needed fewer painkillers.
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Cultivating calmness
Each baby has his or her own character, sleeping patterns, ways to relax and fall asleep and more. Zero separation, full or flexible housing-in, enable more time to practice skin-to-skin contact and enjoy the benefits of the method.
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Effective and prolonged breastfeeding
Skin-to-skin contact facilitates a deeper understanding of the infant's cues, enabling the mother to recognize subtle hunger cues, such as vocalizations and movements. This enhanced awareness of early hunger cues enables a more timely and proactive breastfeeding response, successful breastfeeding initiation in the short term and the establishment of a full and sustained breastfeeding practice in the long term.
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Reducing sadness
Skin-to-skin contact alleviates symptoms of sadness and depression in mothers during the first few weeks of postpartum and strengthens the sense of parental competence and the mother's confidence in her ability to provide effective care for her newborn.