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Cuddle Care: The Benefits of Skin to Skin Contact with Your Baby
Friday, June 08, 2012
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 Not enough can be said about the importance of spending time with your newborn baby in skin to skin contact. This practice, also known as “kangaroo care,” is especially encouraged for premature infants that are well enough to be held. Studies have shown that babies that have at least 1 hour of skin to skin time in the first 3 hours of life are much better at regulating their body temperature and blood sugar as well as establishing breastfeeding. Kangaroo care may also help your baby gain weight, sleep more peacefully, and may help regulate baby’s heart rate and breathing.
One of the best opportunities to provide repeated skin to skin contact is by breastfeeding. Babies are feeding eight or more times each day and enjoying skin to skin contact with mom while doing it. The breasts provide food, warmth and protection; the basics that we all need to survive. As most breastfeeding mothers know, feeding is only part of the equation. Breastfeeding also aids in baby’s emotional and social development.
Don’t Forget to Include Dad
Skin to skin contact is a great way for dad and baby to bond, especially in the first year of life. This can be done by having dad remove his shirt and lie on his back. Place the baby on his chest for “tummy time” and then cover the two of them to keep in warmth. Dads can also enjoy skin to skin time by giving the baby a daily bath. |
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You will never have a chance to get the first year of your child’s life back again so spend as much time as you can skin to skin with him or her enjoying the miracle of life.
What special routines do you have to bond with your baby? Share your thoughts with other moms.
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COMMENTS
| We cuddle skin-to-skin right after I give my little one a bath...the best part of my day! |
MARY commented on JUNE 8 at 6:47 PM
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