What to know about skin-to-skin contact after giving birth

After you give birth, you can help your baby make a smooth transition into the world with skin-to-skin contact. After gently wiping off any blood or fluids from your newborn, a member of your care team will place them tummy down on your chest. There will be no blankets or clothing between you and your newborn.

The first hour after birth is known as the “golden hour.” This is a quiet, peaceful time when you can have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with your newborn. This can even be done in the operating room for most women who have a c-section.

As you enjoy skin-to-skin contact, your baby’s blood sugar, temperature, and heart rate all transition to normal levels. Being in close contact with you triggers many other healthy behaviors, such as breathing on their own. If you decide to breastfeed, skin-to-skin contact can help your baby learn how to nurse.

This special time can help calm your baby after their birth. This may mean they cry less as they adjust to new sights and experiences. Your baby will also be able to hear your voice and your heartbeat while smelling your scent.

Skin-to-skin contact is also good for you. Keep in mind that delivering a baby is hard work on you and your body. Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn helps reduce your stress levels. It also helps your body start producing breast milk, increases your levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin, and helps your body heal.

Nursing after birth

Babies naturally search for the nipple when they’re hungry. Your baby may want to nurse immediately after birth, or they may wait a while. In either case, skin-to-skin contact can help get the process started.

What if your baby is premature?

Babies born early, before 37 weeks into the pregnancy, benefit greatly from skin-to-skin contact. If your baby arrives early, it’s important to hold your baby as soon as possible after you give birth. Holding your premature baby against your skin may help them require less oxygen therapy. It may also help them gain weight faster compared to babies who aren’t held this way.