SKIN TO SKIN: WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT

Kellie Eason RN, RM, IBCLC

Kellie is a Nurse, Midwife & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 25 years experience in supporting families with Breast, Bottle Feeding & Sleep/Settling Issues. She works in private practice at Osteo 4 Kids & Adults, Preston Vic 3072 & Family Tree Health, Greensborough VIC 3088.  Kellie is also an expert contributor to FIT FOR 2 PRO, alongside a group of other healthcare professionals supporting families.  Kellie provides in home, clinic based and Skype/FaceTime consultations via MILK...early parenting support

WHAT IS SKIN TO SKIN?
When babies are cuddled clothed in only a nappy exposed to mum or dad's bare chest, this is what we call "skin to skin". Bubs may need a beanie on his or her head and covered with a blanket to lock in the heat shared with mum or dad.

In 2004, South African Neonatologist Dr. Nil's Bergman, ran a study out of pure necessity to keep newborn premature infants alive.  

Isolettes are tiny boxes that house and help to stabilise premature and sick infants in our special care nurseries and neonatal intensive care units.  These life saving units cost up to $10,000 and whilst plentiful in supply in our hospitals, they are unaffordable in third world countries.  

It was found that when skin to skin, maternal body temperature prevents babies from getting cold or too warm.   The baby in skin-to-skin contact also feels safe with mum’s familiar heart beat and voice so they do not become stressed and the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing stabilise faster.  

Skin to skin has also been found to:

• Enhance immune developmental
• Stimulate the production of breastmilk
• Enhance healthy brain wiring
• Enhance emotional bonding and connectedness

The benefits of skin to skin are seen when done for a minimum of an hour at a time and ideally done continuously, especially with a premature or sick infant... 

These benefits are not limited to sick or premature infants, but applicable to term babies as well.  There is no limitation on skin to skin in terms of how often and how long, but obviously, it is beneficial to all infants.

In today's day and age where being busy is at a premium and mum 's are expected to be active soon after birth, skin to skin is great way of being still and at one with your baby.

TIPS

• Whether born via vaginal or caesarian birth, it is recommended that babies are placed skin to skin with mums immediately after birth and left their continuously for as long as possible
• If your baby is sick or unwell, bring up the 'skin to skin' conversation with your baby's nurse.  Be mindful of staff changes needing reminders to help you with skin to skin
• If your baby is in the Special Care Nursery or Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, you may want to consider making a "my baby loves skin to skin" sign to be adhered to your baby's cot.

Article acknowledgement:
www.kangaroomothercare.com