Benefits Of Skin to Skin

Benefits of Skin to Skin

Skin to skin refers to the contact when babies and mothers are placed together with their skins touching, without any clothing or blanket between them. The parents can also place the baby on their chest or abdomen when the child is not breastfeeding. Studies have now established that skin to skin contact plays a vital role in the child’s development. Other benefits of skin to skin contact are displayed below.

1. Better bonding
The bond between the mother and her child is greatly enhanced with frequent skin to skin contact. In addition, the mother normally finds that she can easily recognize all her child’s needs and even anticipate the feeding times. Furthermore, the extended physical contact also assists the mother to produce high amounts of a hormone known as oxytocin. This hormone assists in both bonding and milk production as well.

2. Prevents allergic disorders
Skin to skin contact between a mother and a newborn is vital for preventing several allergic disorders. The close skin contact benefits the babies through familiarizing their skin with the bacteria on their mothers’ skin. This significantly lessens the chance of developing allergic diseases.

3. Encourages better breastfeeding
Children who are placed close to their mothers with skin to skin contact have better breastfeeding habits in contrast with those who do not get this kind of contact. Actually, skin to skin encourages an extended period of breastfeeding. Since the child will breastfeed regularly, it leads to better development while promoting improved milk supply.

4. Increases contentment
Children who are exposed to skin to skin content normally cry less and are more content. They feel safe and they have better heart rates and rhythmic breathing patterns.
While skin to skin contact is highly beneficial, it has certain shortcomings also. For instance, the children might get colds since they are normally left uncovered during skin to skin contact.

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