The first moments with your new baby are precious. Research shows that human touch is incredibly important for both mental and physical health, especially for newborns. In fact, it’s so important that many hospitals encourage uninterrupted physical contact between mothers and babies right after delivery. Many hospitals call this the “Golden Hour.” During this time, non-urgent medical procedures are delayed to give your baby the chance to stay skin-to-skin and start breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all newborns receive skin-to-skin care, regardless of how they are born or their condition at birth.¹ 

Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact²

• Helps regulate your baby’s heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, body temperature, and blood sugar.
• Makes it easier for your baby to start breastfeeding sooner and more often.
• Calms your baby quickly and helps reduce crying.
• Encourages your baby’s natural feeding instincts.
• Promotes bonding between you and your baby.
• Protects your baby with healthy bacteria from your skin.

After Your Baby’s Birth

Early and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact is key to starting breastfeeding and supporting its success. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has guidelines that support skin-to-skin immediately following birth.³

• After your baby is born, they will be placed on your abdomen or chest right away.
• During this time, your baby’s natural feeding reflexes will emerge, and you may notice that they start to move, or crawl, toward your breast to try and feed.4 
• In the early days, while you are both learning to breastfeed, keep your baby in just a diaper and hold them skin-to-skin as much as possible. Place a soft blanket over yourself and your baby for warmth or privacy if needed. 
• Many mothers find that leaning back with their baby on their chest between their breasts works well for them. This position allows your baby to start breastfeeding whenever they are ready.

Skin-to-Skin After a Cesarean Birth

If you need a c-section, you might wonder if your baby will have to miss out on the benefits of immediate skin-to-skin contact. The good news is that many hospitals have changed their practices to support skin-to-skin in the operating room.^3,4

• If your hospital offers skin-to-skin care in the operating room, your baby will be placed on your bare chest immediately after birth, even during surgery and recovery. You may even be able to begin breastfeeding before your surgery is finished.
• Some hospitals may not routinely offer skin-to-skin contact during cesarean births and may have policies that separate you from your baby until you’re in the recovery or postpartum room. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to discuss your desire for skin-to-skin contact and the “Golden Hour” with your provider before delivery so they can help make it possible.

Separation from Baby

If you and your baby need to be separated after birth, don’t worry—breastfeeding and bonding can still happen as soon as you’re both ready. If this happens, let the hospital staff know that you’d like to start skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding as soon as possible.

• While you’re apart, it’s recommended to start hand expression as soon as possible—ideally within the first hour after your baby’s birth.⁵ 
• Pumping should begin within 4-6 hours of birth, at least 8 times a day, to help provide milk for your baby until they can breastfeed on their own.
• If your baby is able to have skin-to-skin contact but you aren’t, your partner or support person can hold your baby skin-to-skin until you are able to.

Continued Skin-To-Skin

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep 
• Birth & Breastfeeding
• The Brain-Boob Connection

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References