The Power of First Contact

The first moments with your new baby are precious. Research shows that human touch is vital for both mental and physical health—especially for newborn infants. Many hospitals now encourage uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact right after delivery, often called the “Golden Hour.” During this time, non-urgent medical procedures (such as weights and eye ointment) are delayed so you and your newborn can stay together and begin breastfeeding.

The WHO (World Health Organization) now recommends skin-to-skin care for all newborns—whether they are born full-term or premature. This early connection supports breastfeeding, bonding, and your baby’s transition to life outside the womb.

What Is Skin-to-Skin Contact?

Skin-to-skin contact means placing your naked baby—wearing only a diaper—upright on your bare chest. A warm blanket is placed over you both to keep your baby cozy. This simple act is powerful. From your heartbeat to your body warmth, your newborn is perfectly designed to thrive in your arms.

 

Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin care helps both you and your baby by:

  • Regulating their heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, temperature, and blood sugar
  • Helping your baby breastfeed sooner and more often
  • Calming your baby quickly and reducing crying
  • Encouraging natural feeding instincts and better latch
  • Promoting bonding and emotional security
  • Transferring healthy bacteria from your skin to your baby, which supports their immune system

These benefits are so significant that skin-to-skin contact is now considered the standard of care for all healthy newborns and premature infants alike.

After Your Baby’s Birth

Whether you give birth vaginally or by caesarean section, early and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact is key to starting breastfeeding and supporting its success.

  • Immediately after birth, your baby should be placed on your abdomen or chest for first contact.
  • You may notice your baby’s natural reflexes—wiggling, rooting, and eventually finding the breast for that first breastfeed.
  • Keep your baby in just a diaper and cover both of you with a soft, warm blanket.
  • A semi-reclined or upright position—with your baby between your breasts—often works best.
  • Continue to hold your newborn as often as possible in the first days and weeks.

Skin-to-Skin After a Cesarean Birth

If you’re having a caesarean section, you can still enjoy these special first moments. Many hospitals now make skin-to-skin contact in the operating room part of routine care.

  • If available, your baby will be placed directly on your chest immediately after birth, even while surgery is completed.
  • You may even be able to begin the first breastfeed before leaving the operating room.
  • If your hospital does not yet offer this, discuss your wishes in advance so your provider can help make it possible.

When Separation Happens

Sometimes, separation is necessary for medical reasons—but you can still protect that early connection.

  • If you and your baby are apart, let staff know you’d like to start skin-to-skin as soon as possible.
  • Begin hand expression within the first hour after birth to help build your milk supply.
  • Pumping should start within 4–6 hours of birth, at least 8 times per day, to provide milk for your baby.
  • If you can’t hold your baby right away, your partner or support person can do kangaroo care in your place.

Kangaroo Mother Care for Premature or Low Birth Weight Babies

For premature infants or those with low birth weight, the WHO recommends KMC (Kangaroo Mother Care)—a life-saving form of prolonged, continuous skin-to-skin contact.

KMC is more than just early skin-to-skin. It places mothers (or primary caregivers) at the center of care, even for babies in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). This approach emphasizes love, warmth, and touch as essential parts of healing.

How KMC Works

  • Your baby is held upright against your bare chest, with a warm blanket covering both of you.
  • Whenever possible, all routine procedures are done while maintaining KMC.
  • The WHO recommends continuous or prolonged contact—at least 8 hours a day, as many hours as possible, even in the NICU.
  • Breastfeeding is encouraged directly during KMC whenever your baby shows readiness cues.

Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care

KMC is one of the most effective interventions for small or fragile newborns. It helps by:

  • Maintaining stable temperature, heart rate, and breathing
  • Supporting faster weight gain and better sleep
  • Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and milk production
  • Reducing stress and crying in babies—and easing anxiety and depression in mothers
  • Shortening hospital stays and promoting earlier discharge
  • Reducing mortality for high-risk newborns by up to 40%

Continue practicing KMC at home until your baby’s due date and beyond. Regular, loving contact helps premature babies continue to grow and thrive.

Continuing Skin-to-Skin at Home

Skin-to-skin care isn’t just for the hospital. Holding your baby close—especially before or after feeds—helps with milk production, bonding, and emotional connection. Fathers, partners, and grandparents can also enjoy kangaroo care, building confidence and connection for everyone.

Whether your newborn is full-term or premature, born vaginally or by caesarean section, skin-to-skin care is the best start in life. It’s a proven, evidence-based, and deeply nurturing way to comfort your baby, support feeding, and strengthen your confidence as a parent. Every moment of closeness helps your little one feel safe, loved, and ready to grow.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.