More on the Value of Skin-To-Skin

Now, more than ever, researchers are convinced that frequent and prolonged skin-to-skin contact results in better breastfeeding outcomes.  Studies are showing that skin-to-skin improves the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.  In one study, babies who spent more than one hour skin-to-skin with their mothers during the first 3 hours after birth were most likely to exclusively breastfeed during their first few days.  Furthermore, there seems to be a dose-response relationship between skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.   The longer mother and baby spend in skin-to-skin contact, the longer breastfeeding remains exclusive.  This, of course, translates to longer durations of breastfeeding (months and years), healthier outcomes, financial savings to the family, etc.  Known to be a “best practice” for both mom and baby, skin-to-skin begins at birth and can be continued for several weeks.