Baby

Skin-to-Skin

A baby loves to cuddle and snuggle in a parent’s arms. Head of Alvernia Parentcraft Centre, Ms Kang Phaik Gaik says that skin-to-skin contact with a parent does more than just make the baby happy.

When you walk, the rhythm of your movements, just like the sound of your voice,is delightfully familiar. Your baby has been moving with you for the last nine months,so it feels good to keep that going by holding a baby in your arms. Even your simplest soothing gestures may be wonderfully recognisable.

“All babies love to beheld close because they can hear your familiar heartbeat as well as the smell and the warmth of your body. The closeness allows them to see you, gives them a sense of security and the feeling of love and comfort. It is a basis of survival for any living thing,” said Ms Kang, head of Alvernia Parentcraft Centre.

There is evidence that suggests that skin-to-skin contact helps to facilitate breastfeeding problems and stabilise premature babies.

“Skin-to-skin contact is for both premature and full-term babies. It can take place immediately after birth – undisturbed for at least 1 hour or after the first feed,” she explained.

“If it is after birth, the nurse will gently dry your baby with a warm towel and assist you to sit up at a 30-40◦ angle before placing your baby directly between your bare breasts, with a blanket draped over the baby’s back,” Ms Kang said.

It is also referred to as Kangaroo care ‘because it is carrying the baby like a kangaroo’. Daddy can also do skin-to-skin. It is the same as cradling the baby in the arm, but close to the chest. “It calms babies and has a positive impact on not only the babies, but also fathers and family relationships,” she added.

SKIN-TO-SKIN BENEFITS