Who Knew Kangaroos Held the Answer? The Mystery of Skin to Skin

You may ask what do kangaroos (marsupials to be exact) and breastfeeding have in common? Well kangaroos carry their babies with them wherever they go. They keep them "skin to skin". And you may ask why is this important? How does this affect breastfeeding? What is all the buzz about?

It is Easy as 1, 2, 3

It is the most important action that parents can take with their newborns. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. The baby lays completely naked (may have a diaper on) on the parents chest and is covered by blanket(s). It’s that simple. No gimmick. Skin to skin can be done any date at any time. There is no limit on the amount of time skin to skin. Think of it as free medical care that you are providing your baby. What can be better than that?

Personal Story

As a new mom I knew very little about breastfeeding and skin to skin. I read a baby book that talked about breastfeeding and doing skin to skin. Honestly, I tucked that information in the back of my mind. It did not seem to be that important or necessary. My first child was what one would call a high needs child. That means he needed to feel secure more than other babies, he needed to be held more often, and he needed me. In the early days after birth, I remembered reading about skin to skin. It was as if a light bulb went off in my head. I tried skin to skin and it worked like magic. He immediately became more calm and slept more. Spoiling my child did not even enter my mind. The nurses thought I was "unusual" because I went against the norm. At that time I did not know of all the benefits of skin to skin. I just knew of the impact it would have in my relationship with my child. Holding my baby skin to skin enabled me to love on my child in a caring manner.

What's the Science Behind Skin to Skin?

Skin to skin, A. K. A. Kangaroo care, is my favorite subject to teach parents about. As a new mom I had no idea how important skin to skin was. Now I do. There is scientific research that truly backs skin to skin as medical intervention for children.

• Regulates the child’s heartbeat

• Regulates their breathing rate

• Regulates their temperature

• Regulates baby's blood sugar level

• Positively impacts brain development

• Improves bonding with parents

• Impacts antibodies developed by mom

• Enables trust development between baby and parent

Skin to skin is vitally important regardless the feeding method for your child. Multiple studies have proven its benefits. A minimum of 60-90 minutes is recommended immediately after birth.

Cultures have done skin to skin for generations not knowing the true scientific impact it was having. But it has been shown to actually increase a premature babies chances of survival. Skin to skin is to be done not only when you’re breast-feeding but in between the feedings.

It’s also been shown to work with adoptive children who are beyond the initial first few months after birth. It is a part of attachment parenting. It helps the child feel centered and grounded.

What You Can Do Now!

So get naked with your baby! Start providing your baby with the best medical care you can give. You will not regret this and neither will your baby.