Essential for your newborn baby

The first touch with your child is not only magical but also extremely important. A newborn baby needs time to recover from the birth, and skin-to-skin contact is essential in this process. Holding your baby against your bare skin immediately after birth is beneficial for various health aspects. Previously, a newborn was first washed, weighed, and wrapped in blankets. However, skin-to-skin contact is proven to be better for the heart, lung function, breathing, body temperature, and blood sugar levels. Removing the baby immediately after birth can also cause stress for both mother and child.

The first hour

In the first hour, you and your baby form an essential bond. Due to the excitement surrounding the birth, your baby is still awake and alert and will immediately seek a place to feed, usually finding the breast naturally. During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released, often referred to as the cuddle hormone. It plays a central role in bonding with the mother. The more time mother and child spend together in the first hour, the better it is.

Author: Sanne van der Rijt