There’s nothing quite like the moment you finally hold your baby for the first time. After the journey of pregnancy and birth, this initial skin-to-skin contact isn’t just heartwarming, it’s incredibly powerful for both you and your baby.
Skin-to-skin, also known as immediate or early postnatal contact, is recommended by the NHS and health professionals worldwide. Whether your baby is born full-term or preterm, the benefits are real, lasting, and backed by science.
What Is Skin-to-Skin Contact?
Skin-to-skin contact is when your newborn is placed naked (except for a nappy or hat) directly on your bare chest or abdomen right after birth. Ideally, this contact begins immediately after birth and continues for at least an hour, or until after your baby's first feed.
Your warmth, scent, and heartbeat are familiar and reassuring to your baby - after all, your body was their home for the past nine months. This contact helps both of you feel calm, safe, and connected.
Why Is Skin-to-Skin So Important?
This first cuddle is more than emotional. Skin-to-skin helps:
- Regulate baby’s body temperature and breathing
- Stabilise heart rate and blood sugar levels
- Promote bonding through oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’)
- Colonise baby’s skin with your beneficial bacteria, offering protection from infection
- Boost breastfeeding success by encouraging early feeding behaviours
If your baby is born early or needs special care, skin-to-skin (also known as "kangaroo care") can still play a crucial role in recovery and development. It helps with:
- Temperature regulation
- Immune support
- Weight gain and growth
Your healthcare team will advise when and how it can safely begin if immediate contact isn’t possible.
What is Vernix?
You might notice a white, creamy substance on your baby’s skin at birth. That’s vernix, a natural moisturiser that protects your baby’s delicate skin. There’s no need to wash it off straight away, it’s best left to absorb gradually into the skin.
Delaying your baby’s first bath also preserves this protective layer and maintains that important first layer of bacteria from your skin.
What Happens During Skin-to-Skin?
Once dried, your baby will be placed on your chest. Here’s what usually follows:
- Initial birth cry to clear the lungs
- Relaxation and brief sleep as baby recovers
- Awakening and feeding cues such as licking lips, rooting, or nuzzling
- Movements toward the breast – known as the "breast crawl"
- Self-attachment and first feed
- Sleeping again after feeding
It might feel slow or even a little awkward at times, but try to avoid rushing the process. Babies instinctively know how to find the breast when left undisturbed.
If you need to assist baby, gently place your hands nearby for support, but allow them to lead.
What If Skin-to-Skin Isn’t Possible Right Away?
Sometimes, medical reasons (for you or your baby) may delay skin-to-skin contact:
- Emergency birth situations
- Medication affecting baby’s alertness
- Perineal repair or surgery
- NICU admission
Don’t worry - you haven’t missed your chance. As soon as it’s safe, your healthcare provider will help you establish skin-to-skin. Even starting a few hours or days later can still bring benefits.
Partners can also do skin-to-skin if mum is unavailable, supporting bonding and comfort.
Benefits for Breastfeeding
Skin-to-skin stimulates hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which are essential for:
- Let-down reflex (milk flow)
- Bonding and emotional connection
- Establishing a strong milk supply
Babies who experience uninterrupted skin-to-skin are more likely to latch effectively and feed well during those crucial early days.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Delay routine checks (like weighing) until after the first feed, if baby is well
- Keep baby warm by placing a blanket over both of you
- Let baby lead the journey to the breast and try not to rush
- Don’t worry about technique, just focus on staying relaxed and connected
- Partners can do skin-to-skin too
That first cuddle matters more than you can imagine. It’s the beginning of a deep, instinctive bond and offers countless physical and emotional benefits. Skin-to-skin contact isn’t just about what happens in the delivery room – it can be repeated in the days and weeks after birth, helping you both feel safe, connected, and in sync.
Whether it happens immediately or after a delay, that skin-to-skin moment is always worth the wait.
