There is sooo many things to learn entering motherhood - Today I am 23 weeks and 4 days pregnant and Im learning on getting to know my baby when he arrives to this world. 

What is skin-to-skin?

Skin-to-skin is also called “kangaroo care.” It is the time when your baby is placed bare skin (except for a diaper) on your bare chest or your partner’s bare chest. 

Sharing skin-to-skin time in the first hour after your baby is born is so important! Unless medically necessary skin-to-skin time should not be interrupted. Instead, Mom should lie back in a comfortable position.

DID YOU KNOW?

When you hold your baby skin-to-skin, your body will increase or decrease its temperature a few degrees in either direction based on what your baby needs.

Why is skin-to-skin time so important?  

The most common benefits of early skin-to-skin are listed below. These benefits continue when you hold your baby skin-to-skin anytime during the first weeks of his life.

1.  Calms you. and your baby -  releases a stress- relieveing hormone that helps you heal

2.  Stabilizes your babys heart rate temperature, breathing, and blood sugar.

3. allows. quality bonding

4. Helps your baby get used to life outside the womb.

5. Builds your babys immune system and protect him from illness and infection. 

6. Stimulates your babys brain through a variety of senses like smell, touch, movemmber, and sound. 

7.  Helps with your breast milk production and encourages. your babys natural instince to breastfeed. 

8. Lowers your risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Your baby has only known life inside your body. Birth will be stressful for him! Your baby will recognize your heartbeat when he is placed on your chest during skin-to-skin time. This familiar heartbeat will help him feel relaxed.

Sharing skin-to-skin time in the first hour after your baby is born is best! Unless they are necessary for everyone’s health, this skin-to-skin time should not be interrupted with medical procedures or tests. Instead, Mom should lie down at about a 45-degree angle or lie almost flat. Then, the 9 steps of self-attachment below can begin. Make these 9 steps part of your birth plan and discuss them with your healthcare provider before you go into the hospital.

1. The Birth Cry
Your baby may let out a cry when she is born. Then, she will be placed on your belly or chest.

2. Relaxation
When your baby hears your familiar heartbeat, she will start to calm down and enter a stage of relaxation. She will lie mostly still while taking a little time to recover from birth.

3. Awakening
Your baby will relax for a little while. Then, she will start to wake up, open her eyes, and look around. She will now be able to respond to your voice.

4. Activity
Next, your baby will start making little movements with her head, arms, and legs. 

5. Rest
Your baby will likely take another rest period.

6. Crawling
Your baby will increase her movements. If not already at your chest, she will start drawing her knees upwards in an effort to move closer to your breast.

7. Getting familiar
Now your baby will start to familiarize herself with your breast. She may nuzzle, smell, or suckle around the breast. Be sure not to rush her as she explores. Giving her time to explore will help her to self-attach. 

8. Suckling
Finally, your baby will be ready for her first feed. At this point, she will self-attach. You both may need a little help to get the positioning right.

9. Sleep
Once your baby is done feeding, she will come off your breast. Both of you will probably be ready to sleep after she is done feeding. 

TIP

It is a good idea to make sure someone is near you and your baby to ensure your safety during your first skin-to-skin time. This could be by a medical professional such as a nurse, a doula, or a birthing partner. The reason for this is that you might be sleepy, especially if you receive medication before or during the birth. 

Skin-to-skin time is also beneficial once you are home with your baby. The benefits do not stop just because you leave the hospital! Find a comfortable and safe place and position. Then, let your baby calm herself on your chest. If you feel sleepy, place your baby in her crib or safe sleeping space and try holding her skin-to-skin another time.

What happens after the first hour?

Most babies are wide awake in the first hour or hour and a half after birth. But after skin-to-skin time and her first feeding, it will be normal for your baby to sleep for as long as 4-6 hours. As long as you don’t feel too sleepy, it is a great idea to hold your baby skin-to-skin while she does this resting. 

Skin-to-skin will keep your baby warm and stabilize her blood sugar. Plus, she can smell the milk as soon as she’s ready to start her next feed. Holding your baby skin-to-skin during this longer resting time will also help you feel your baby move as she sleeps, which can help you tell when she is giving you hunger cues. After this longer 4-6 hour rest, your newborn baby will only sleep for 2-3 hours at a time. 

Caregivers who hold your baby skin-to-skin will strengthen their bond with him while also helping...

• Stabilize his heart rate, temperature, breathing, and blood sugar

• Support him as he gets used to his new world outside your womb

• Build his immune system, protecting him from illness and infection

• Stimulate his brain through a variety of senses—smell, touch, movement, and sound

Who can experience skin-to-skin time? 

Healthy older children can hold their new sibling skin-to-skin if they are old enough to hold a baby safely. And as long as you feel comfortable, any other healthy adult can too. In order for skin-to-skin time to be safe, these adults should:

• Be vaccinated
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Not be sleepy
• Not be sick

Thank you for reading beautiful Mamas stay strong , positive and motivated and remeber. you are loved!