The Importance of Skin To Skin Contact After A C-Section
What is a skin-to-skin C-section birth?
A skin-to-skin C-section birth is when your newborn baby is placed directly on your bare chest after delivery - also known as the "golden hour".
When you hold your baby skin-to-skin after birth, it evokes strong instinctive behaviours in both you and your baby and helps you feel super bonded and full of love for your tiny human!
The surge of hormones that rushes around your and your baby's body really helps new mamas to engage with their baby.
Skin-to-skin contact has so many benefits and it is a safe and effective practice that should be encouraged whenever possible.
5 key benefits of skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact has numerous benefits for both mums, dads and babies. Here are five key benefits:
#1 Helps regulate the baby's body temperature
When placed skin-to-skin, a baby's temperature stabilises and becomes regulated within the ideal range. This is because your body temperature adjusts to meet the baby's needs.
#2 Encourages bonding and an emotional connection
Skin-to-skin promotes bonding and emotional connection between mum, dad and baby. It facilitates the release of oxytocin which is the love hormone, that encourages maternal behaviours, milk production, and promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation.
#3 Boosts the baby's immune system
Skin-to-skin contact helps to colonise the baby's skin with beneficial bacteria, which strengthens the baby's immune system and protects against harmful pathogens.
#4 Helps promote breastfeeding
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth promotes the baby's instincts to breastfeed, and it helps to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby.
#5 Reduces the baby's stress and pain levels
Skin-to-skin contact is known to reduce the baby's stress and pain levels, which can result in a calmer, more content baby. It also helps to reduce the baby's crying and fussiness.
Risks of skin-to-skin at c-section births
Generally, skin-to-skin is safe after C-section delivery, under the observation of your healthcare provider. Here are some issues you might wish to consider:
Monitoring your baby's health: Regular observation by your midwife, of the baby's temperature, breathing patterns, colour, and tone will be underway (and I bet you won't even notice because you'll so in love) throughout skin-to-skin contact.
Bad baby posture: Note any unusual breathing sounds or lack of sounds from your baby and ask them to be checked over. Baby's heads are quite floppy and that sometimes means they get themselves into positions that might block their airway a little.
Consciousness due to pain medications: If you are in an altered state of consciousness or are feeling drowsy, you can still have skin-to-skin with your baby, but it is a good idea if someone else is there to hold the baby next to you and make sure you are both nice and safe and comfortable.
If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you chat these through with your healthcare provider. There is no such thing as a silly question.
Does skin-to-skin help with c-section recovery?
Yep! It sure does! It is known to promote the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Blissful!
Thus, skin-to-skin can help to reduce pain and promote a faster recovery after the procedure. What a brilliant bonus!
Can my partner do skin-to-skin after a c-section?
Absolutely, dads and partners should be encouraged to have skin-to-skin with the baby too!
What does science say about skin-on-skin contact?
Studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact can significantly aid in recovery after a c-section. It can also reduce the chances of postpartum depression and anxiety. The evidence supporting the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after a c-section continues to grow.
Here are some of the key findings:
Reduces risk of postpartum depression
A study published in The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing found that skin-to-skin contact immediately after a c-section was associated with a decreased risk of postpartum depression symptoms in mothers.
Improves breastfeeding outcomes
Skin-to-skin contact after a c-section is known to improve breastfeeding outcomes, including more successful breastfeeding initiation, longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and increased milk production.
Enhances bonding and emotional connection
Studies show stronger bonding and emotional connection between mother and baby, which can have long-lasting benefits for both.
Improves vital signs
A study published in the Journal of Perinatology found that skin-to-skin contact immediately after a c-section was associated with improved vital signs in newborns, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels.
Reduces stress and pain
Skin-to-skin contact is known to reduce stress and pain levels in both mother and baby, contributing to a more positive postpartum experience and faster recovery after a c-section.
Choosing to have "golden hour" with your baby
The golden hour is an important part of helping babies adjust to life outside the womb. It supports mothers to initiate breastfeeding and develops a close and loving relationship with their babies.
Regardless of what feeding method you decide on, we encourage you to think about 'harvesting' your colostrum ahead of your surgery in our prep, birth and recovery digital courses over at C-section UK.
Skin-to-skin is considered the 'gold standard' of care and is the best practice for maternity care, globally.
Like all decisions for your birthing journey, it is your birth and your body. Informed choice is really important. If you want to read more about the benefits of skin-to-skin, UNICEF' Baby Friendly Initiative has lots information.
Written by: Midwife Laura