Aaryn’s birth is still fresh in my mind. One of the most exciting parts, was being able to immediately hold my brand new, still covered in vernix babe, as soon as she made her entrance into this world!
Having been able to do skin-to-skin with her was a highlight, not only because it meant she was finally here, but because I knew those incredible first moments were so important for both she and I, health wise and emotionally.
With Alyssa, Andrew, and Isla I wasn’t given the opportunity to do kangaroo care or skin-to-skin. It wasn’t a standard practice during their births as it is now, and I honestly didn’t know anything about it.
By the time I had Sarah in 2014, two of the hospitals in the system that I gave birth to the others at were certified Baby Friendly, so it was actually a standard part of the labor and delivery process.
How does it work?
After Aaryn was born, she was immediately placed on my chest, where I was encouraged to go ahead and feed her. She actually did not feed the first hour (unlike Sarah who did), but by hour 2, she was ready to start. During the skin to skin time, Aaryn was not cleaned at all, but a blanket was placed on her to help keep her body warm.
It was so perfect being able to just lay back and hold my sweet babe, after nearly one hour of pushing (which was my longest ever out of five kiddos).
The Importance of Skin-to-Skin After Birth
There has been lots of research as to why skin-to-skin immediately after birth should be something all healthcare providers and mothers consider:
- Calms and relaxes both mother and baby.
- Regulates the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and helps them to adapt to life outside the womb.
- Stimulates digestion and an interest in feeding.
- Regulates body temperature.
- Enables colonisation of the baby’s skin with the mother’s friendly bacteria, thus providing protection against infection.
- Stimulates the release of hormones to support breastfeeding and mothering.
Did you do skin to skin contact after birth? If so let me know in the comments below!
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
