Skin to skin contact, aka kangaroo care, is a must for infant health and happiness! Snuggled up against a parent’s bare chest, the baby’s breathing, heart rate, temperature, and blood sugar level all get regulated. Plus, it helps bond, breastfeed, and reduce stress for all involved.
Begin skin to skin contact straight away, unless you’re still trying to catch your breath from the delivery. Fathers can get in on the action too, but ensure the baby is stable first. Fathers can help swaddle and assist with breastfeeding.
Timing skin to skin contact around feeding works best as they’re usually settled after a feed. Reclining or lying down is better than sitting up for relaxed skin to skin.
What is Skin to Skin Contact With Baby
Skin to skin contact with your newborn is a must! Start bonding as soon as possible after birth. Place the baby on mom’s bare chest and they’ll be warm, cozy and secure. Dads can also get in on the skin-to-skin action, but only after medical clearance.
It’s no longer just moms that can provide this special bond. Studies show that skin-to-skin contact with dads has loads of benefits for infants – cognitive, behavioural and more! Even five years down the road, kids have better communication skills with their dads who took part in early skin-to-skin contact.
Make the most of skin-to-skin time! Talk in calming tones or sing softly to your little one while you hold them close. Skin to skin connection is unique and has many emotional, mental and physical benefits for parent and baby.
How to Prepare for Skin to Skin Contact with Baby
Prep for baby skin-to-skin contact! Here’s what you gotta do:
- Be relaxed and comfy.
- Take off anything that might get in the way.
- Have a blanket or towel handy for warmth.
It’s not just newborns – skin-to-skin with dad helps build a strong bond. A 2018 study found fathers who did skin-to-skin had higher oxytocin and lower stress. Dad’s got skin in the game too – the benefits of skin to skin contact!
Benefits of Skin to Skin Contact with Father
Dads, it’s time to get comfy with your little one! Skin-to-skin contact offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby. Here are some of them:
- Helps breastfeeding: Holding your newborn initiates the suckling reflex.
- Regulates body temp: Heat transfer from dad’s skin to baby helps keep them warm.
- Reduces stress: Holding your baby close calms them and lowers cortisol levels in both of you.
- Supports preemie growth: Kangaroo-care with dad boosts recovery and weight gain.
- Boosts dad’s mental well-being: Skin-to-skin time increases oxytocin and improves mood.
- Improves baby brain activity: Oxygen levels rise when you hold your baby, aiding their cognitive development.
Every father-baby relationship is unique, so get advice from a healthcare professional before bonding. Keep your intentions clear when doing skin-to-skin time – cuddle your baby and let them explore their environment without any restrictions.
How to do Skin to Skin Contact with Father
Skin-to-skin contact with father is a practice of holding a newborn baby against dad’s chest, without clothing. This helps both dad and baby – as it encourages bonding, promotes breastfeeding, and helps regulate baby’s body temperature. Here’s a guide:
- Calm and relax both dad and baby
- Undress the baby, leaving only a diaper
- Put the baby on dad’s bare chest, and cover them both with a warm blanket
- Cuddle, talk or sing softly to baby
Though studies show that doing skin-to-skin right after birth is best, it can be done anytime during infancy. This helps foster a better connection between dad and child. UNICEF reports many health benefits for babies – including lower cortisol levels, fewer preterm infections, and better weight gain. Plus, dads who do skin-to-skin may increase their prolactin hormone (which helps with milk production) and reduce stress. So, dads – get ready to bond with your baby – no excuses – just skin-to-skin contact!
Overcoming Barriers for Skin to Skin Contact with Father
Fathers should not shy away from skin-to-skin contact with their newborns. It is vital for infant development and the establishment of parental bonds. Encourage fathers to engage in skin-to-skin contact shortly after birth, or at any convenient time. Infants relate to familiar scents and sounds, so physical contact is key for early bonding.
If fathers face difficulty with skin-to-skin contact, they should ask healthcare providers for guidance. They will provide helpful information on proper handling and positioning techniques. This ensures father’s comfort and baby’s safety during physical interaction.
Remember: skin-to-skin bonding with your newborn is a big part of the parenting journey. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to consult experts who can help. Skin to skin contact with dad is a win-win!
Conclusion: Skin to Skin Contact with Father is Essential for Health and Bonding
Fathers and babies benefit greatly from skin-to-skin contact. It creates a strong emotional connection, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and promoting healthy development. Fathers can regulate their baby’s temperature, heart rate, and respiration by holding them against their bare chest. Plus, it helps foster secure attachment and encourages active parenting.
Skin-to-skin contact also benefits long-term emotional growth, developing neural pathways to facilitate learning and socialisation. It’s best to start skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after birth, during the “golden hour.” Fathers should talk, sing, or read to their babies – shared experiences that develop language skills over time.
Physical touch is also a great way for fathers to get to know their child’s unique needs. Skin-to-skin contact can be done throughout infancy and into childhood – forming strong bonds for healthy maturation.