Kangaroo Care

Skin-to-skin is a special way to hold your baby for skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. The baby snuggles on your chest covered with a blanket. Doctors say that holding a baby skin-to-skin is the “best care” for your baby.

Why is Skin-to-Skin the “best care” for Mom and Baby?

• Helps your baby move to the outside world easier because he/she can hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth.
• Helps to keep your baby warm.
• Helps your baby maintain a good heart rate and breathing rate.
• Your baby will cry less and sleep more.
• Your baby can be held skin-to-skin during procedures.
• Your baby will have better brain development.
• Your baby may take the first feeding at your breast, which is the best care you can provide for your baby.
• You will have more milk and more success with breastfeeding.
• You will have better bonding and feelings of closeness.
• You will feel more confident caring for your baby.

How do I do Skin-to-Skin Care at birth?

• Immediately after birth, your baby will be dried off and placed on your chest.
• Both you and the baby will be covered with warm blankets.
• Your baby may take the first feeding at the breast.
• You and your baby may remain skin-to-skin for up to 2 hours.