The term "skin-to-skin contact" typically refers to the practice of drying the newborn and placing him or her on the mother's bare chest following delivery. Both parties are then covered in a warm blanket and left for at least an hour or until the infant has had his or her first feed. In addition, skin-to-skin contact can be made whenever a baby needs soothing or comforting and can increase a mother's milk production.
Kangaroo care offers several health benefits for both the mother's and the baby's growth and development, hence mothers are encouraged to undertake and practice it. Regulation of a baby's breathing and heartbeat is one of the health benefits of kangaroo care. It also improves oxygen saturation levels, aids in maintaining body temperature, promotes longer stretches of peaceful, calm sleep, and decreases the risk of mortality, which is important for premature babies.
Following skin-to-skin contact upon childbirth, nursing is started, during which colostrum, a yellowish liquid from the mother, is produced. Colostrum has a crucial effect on the baby's growth and development, and it contains antioxidants that guard the child against diseases. (DMOIIParreño/NOIIIFlores/RNPCLaquihon)
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