THE BENEFITS OF SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT BETWEEN NEWBORN AND FATHER
Skin-to-skin contact is a powerful way to promote bonding and provide comfort to newborn babies. While the practice is often associated with mothers, it is equally beneficial for fathers to have skin-to-skin contact with their newborns.
In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and father and how it can optimize their health and wellbeing.
1. Promotes Bonding
Skin-to-skin contact is an excellent way for fathers to bond with their newborn babies. It helps to release hormones such as oxytocin, which promotes feelings of love, trust, and attachment. Bonding with a newborn is essential for their emotional and social development.
2. Regulates Body Temperature
Skin-to-skin contact can also help regulate the baby's body temperature. A newborn's body temperature is unstable and prone to fluctuations, and skin-to-skin contact can help stabilize it by providing warmth and comfort.
3. Boosts Immunity
Skin-to-skin contact can boost the baby's immune system by providing exposure to beneficial bacteria. The father's skin also has a microbiome, which can help colonize the baby's gut and boost their immunity.
4. Supports Breastfeeding
Skin-to-skin contact can also support breastfeeding. Fathers can help support their partner by bringing the baby to the mother for breastfeeding or helping with tasks such as burping and changing diapers. This support can help establish a successful breastfeeding relationship, which has numerous benefits for the baby's health.
5. Reduces Stress
Skin-to-skin contact can also help reduce stress levels in both father and baby. The practice releases hormones such as cortisol, which helps regulate stress levels and promote relaxation.
In conclusion, skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and father offers numerous benefits for both father and baby. It promotes bonding, regulates the baby's body temperature, boosts immunity, supports breastfeeding, and reduces stress. It is a simple yet powerful practice that can optimize the health and wellbeing of both father and the baby.
5 BOOKS ON SKIN-TO-SKIN TO CONSIDER READING
This article is intended for informational use only. I am not an expert. To read my personal thoughts and experiences on this topic and many others, become a lifetime member.
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