Skin-to-Skin Contact- The Essential Factor in Enhancing Breastfeeding Success

How does skin to skin promote breastfeeding?

Skin to skin (also known as kangaroo care) is a method of holding a newborn against a parent’s bare chest, with the baby’s skin touching the parent’s skin. This practice has been found to have numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby, particularly in promoting breastfeeding. But how exactly does skin to skin promote breastfeeding?

Firstly, skin to skin contact stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in both the mother and the baby. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” because it plays a crucial role in bonding and attachment. In the context of breastfeeding, oxytocin causes the muscles around the milk ducts to contract, which helps to facilitate milk letdown. This can make it easier for the baby to latch on and nurse effectively.

Secondly, skin to skin contact helps to regulate the baby’s body temperature. Newborns are not yet able to regulate their own body temperature, so they rely on external sources to stay warm. When a baby is in close contact with their mother’s skin, they can more easily maintain a stable body temperature. This stable temperature can lead to more frequent and longer breastfeeding sessions, as the baby is more comfortable and less likely to become fussy.

Thirdly, the physical closeness of skin to skin contact can encourage the baby to seek out the breast. The baby’s natural instinct is to find the source of their food, and skin to skin contact can help them to do this more easily. The baby can smell the mother’s breast milk, hear her heartbeat, and feel her warmth, all of which can trigger their feeding instincts.

Furthermore, skin to skin contact has been shown to improve the baby’s blood sugar levels. This is important because a stable blood sugar level can help the baby to maintain their energy and stay alert during feeding. A well-rested and alert baby is more likely to latch on and breastfeed effectively.

Lastly, skin to skin contact can have a positive impact on the mother’s mental health. The practice can reduce stress and anxiety, which are common issues for new mothers. A relaxed mother is more likely to produce milk and have a positive breastfeeding experience.

In conclusion, skin to skin contact promotes breastfeeding through a combination of physiological and psychological factors. The release of oxytocin, regulation of body temperature, encouragement of feeding instincts, improvement of blood sugar levels, and reduction of stress all contribute to a more successful breastfeeding experience. As a result, healthcare providers often recommend skin to skin contact as an essential practice for new mothers and their babies.