Benefits of skin-to-skin

Skin-to-skin contact (also known as kangaroo care) is placing a baby, naked or in a diaper, directly on the skin of a parent or caregiver. With my first, I remember sitting in the hospital and having him placed on me, skin-to-skin pretty quickly; it was a surreal moment and unforgettable bonding experience. During the first few months, I wore him in a wrap and sling around the house and on walks. When my twins were born, they were in the NICU for three weeks, and I didn’t get this immediate skin-to-skin, but I was encouraged by the nurses to do it as much as I could because of its many, many, many benefits (some known to last the first ten years!) Below are just a few ways skin-to-skin is beneficial for birth parents, supporting parents, other caregivers, and baby.

1. Calms baby and parent

2. Regulates baby's heart rate, blood sugar, and body temperature

3. Creates easier transition out of womb

4. Shares good bacteria

5. Stimulates hormones that support chest feeding

6. Allows other parent/caregivers to bond with baby

Some of my favorite products to facilitate skin-to-skin include:

1. the Joey Band

2. a wrap (or this more affordable one)

3. a sling (or this one)

4. a soft structured carrier (or this super affordable one)

If a carrier seems incredibly intimidating, check out Wild Bird or Solly Baby’s videos. Or contact me, and I can help you choose a carrier that’s right for you.

Hi there! I’m Gigi and am a postpartum doula in Orange County + beyond. I have three kiddos (including twins) and a high-school sweetheart-turned-husband. I’ve always been a teacher but realized I was meant to teach parents and help them through the fourth trimester. I love forcing my friends and family to listen to me talk about zero waste, reading YA novels, and watching terrible reality shows.

Want to chat (especially about the Bachelor or cloth diapers or babies?) Connect with me through e-mail or on Instagram!