Skin to skin with your baby

Lots of research has shown just how important skin to skin contact can be for babies (whether breastfed or not!) but for the breastfeeding mother skin to skin can be key to early success...

Skin to skin is not only the loveliest way to say hello to your new baby but skin to skin can also be hugely beneficial for the breastfeeding mum and baby.

Skin to skin contact immediately after birth, which lasts for at least an hour has the following positive effects on the baby:

• Are more likely to attach
• Are more likely to attach well
• Have more stable and normal skin temperatures
• Have more stable and normal heart rates and blood pressures
• Have higher blood sugars
• Are less likely to cry
• Are more likely to breastfeed exclusively longer

(source, with thanks: Dr Jack Newman, with permission. Full Article here)