Skin-to-skin

Dear Mummies, daddies, and caregivers,

Skin to skin is a superpower you have and may not know about. Especially soon after baby is born, practice this form of kangaroo care. 

How: 

• Place baby naked except for a nappy/diaper on mum’s bare chest.  

• Place a blanket over both 

• If needed cover baby’s head with a cap to prevent heat loss 

• Allow them time to snuggle and reap the beautiful benefits of skin to skin 

 If mum is not up to it, the non-birthing parent is the next best choice. Failing which, any primary caregiver will do. 

Evidence shows that parents and caregivers who practice skin-to-skin with their newborns have brain changes! These result in them feeling more protective of their child and being a more hands-on parents!  

Benefits of skin-to-skin: 

• Calming effect on baby and mum 

• Temperature regulation 

• Breathing regulation 

• Enhances breastfeeding success 

• Baby feels safe and secure