Skin-to-skin is a practice that sounds much like what it is called. It is when a mother and her baby are in direct physical contact, with only a diaper being worn by baby. When performed immediately after birth, the baby should be dried with a blanket and placed directly on mom’s chest between her breasts, with baby’s head turned to the side and his or her face against the internal surface of one breast.
A warm, dry blanket and a hat should be placed on baby to help keep him or her warm. Care should be taken that no blankets cover the baby’s face and the chin is not tucked too closely to his or chest to keep the airway open.
Skin-to-skin isn’t just for moms—it is a task that dads and partners can benefit from as well. In fact, skin-to-skin is a great way to promote bonding between dad and baby, especially in those babies who are breastfed where dad isn’t as involved in feeding time.
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