What is the primary benefit of skin-to-skin contact after birth?

The primary benefit of skin-to-skin contact after birth is that it promotes bonding and breastfeeding success. This practice involves placing the newborn directly on the mother’s chest immediately after birth, fostering a warm emotional connection between the mother and the infant. This intimate interaction not only enhances maternal-infant bonding through the release of hormones like oxytocin but also helps facilitate breastfeeding.

Skin-to-skin contact encourages the baby’s natural instinct to seek the breast, increasing the likelihood of successful breastfeeding initiation and potentially leading to longer breastfeeding duration. This connection is crucial for the psychological wellbeing of both the mother and the baby, setting the foundation for a nurturing relationship.

While the other options may reflect some benefits associated with close contact, such as decreased risk of infection and potential influences on sleep patterns or weight gain, the most significant immediate effect of skin-to-skin contact is its ability to foster bonding and enhance the breastfeeding experience. These fundamental advantages are integral to the newborn’s transition to life outside the womb and the establishment of a strong parent-child relationship.