Most of us know that skin-to-skin contact with your newborn is important for bonding, which is one of the reasons breastfeeding is highly encouraged by obstetricians and pediatricians alike.
Dr. Susan M. Ludington, executive director of the United States Institute for Kangaroo Care, tells FitPregnancy.com: “Infancy sets up your interactions with your baby for the rest of her life.” That initial skin-to-skin contact is very important for establishing a healthy attachment from the beginning.
But, beyond the bonding experience, there are several other positive benefits to sitting with your baby skin-to-skin.
- It helps baby stabilize body temperature.
- It stimulates baby’s brain development.
- It encourages weight gain in baby.
- It reduces baby’s stress.
- It helps baby to sleep more soundly.
Read more about each of these benefits of kangaroo care.