Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, has been widely studied and shown to significantly benefit both mothers and infants, especially in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Here are some key findings from the evidence on skin-to-skin contact and its impact on exclusive breastfeeding:
1. Increased Breastfeeding Initiation:
Studies show that skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps initiate breastfeeding more effectively. It promotes early self-attachment behavior in newborns, where they instinctively move toward the mother’s breast, latch, and start feeding. This early bonding experience often leads to a more successful initiation of breastfeeding.
2. Improved Duration and Exclusivity of Breastfeeding:
Skin-to-skin contact has been associated with longer and more exclusive breastfeeding. Infants who experience regular skin-to-skin contact with their mothers tend to have higher rates of breastfeeding exclusivity, meaning they are more likely to be fed solely on breast milk without supplementing with formula. Studies suggest that babies who experience skin-to-skin contact breastfeed more frequently and for longer periods, contributing to prolonged breastfeeding.
3. Enhanced Milk Production:
When mothers engage in skin-to-skin contact with their babies, their bodies release higher levels of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates milk ejection (or let-down) and milk production. Oxytocin also helps mothers relax, reducing stress and potentially increasing their confidence in their ability to breastfeed, which further supports milk production.
4. Better Infant Weight Gain and Health Outcomes:
Regular skin-to-skin contact has been shown to improve infant weight gain, likely due to the increased frequency of breastfeeding it encourages. Exclusively breastfed babies benefit from antibodies and nutrients in breast milk, which help bolster their immune systems and reduce the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic illnesses.
5. Lowered Maternal and Infant Stress:
Skin-to-skin contact helps lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels in both mothers and infants. This calming effect can make the breastfeeding process smoother and more enjoyable, which may lead to more consistent breastfeeding sessions.
6. Enhanced Bonding and Mother-Infant Connection:
This intimate, comforting interaction strengthens the mother-infant bond, which can positively impact maternal attachment and responsiveness, further supporting exclusive breastfeeding.
7. Greater Success with Premature Infants:
For premature or low-birth-weight infants, skin-to-skin contact has been especially beneficial in establishing breastfeeding. Studies have shown that kangaroo care helps these babies transition to breastfeeding more successfully and promotes better health outcomes overall, such as increased stability in heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels.
8. Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression:
There is evidence that skin-to-skin contact helps reduce the risk of postpartum depression in mothers, which is positively correlated with the likelihood of breastfeeding success. Mothers who feel more connected with their infants are often more motivated to continue exclusive breastfeeding.
Overall, the practice of skin-to-skin contact is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other major health organizations as a critical component of breastfeeding support and newborn care.
