Skin to Skin Care
Skin to skin care (also referred to as S2S or kangaroo care) is a special way of holding your baby. The baby, wearing only a diaper, is placed 'skin to skin' against your bare chest. A blanket or your clothes cover the baby’s back to help create a thermal pocket.
Benefits of S2S Care for baby
- Regulates baby’s heart rate and breathing – the rise and fall of your chest relaxes baby.
- Baby’s body temperature remains normal because your body adjusts to keep baby at the right temperature.
- Infections are decreased because antibodies created from S2S Care are passed to the baby via breast milk.
- Decreases crying and encourages a more restful quiet sleep. Babies in deep sleep use fewer calories, so the overall growth rate increases.
- More successful breastfeeding.
Benefits of S2S Care for parents
- Increases bond between you and your baby.
- Enhances parent confidence. S2S Care is something only parents can do.
- Less breast engorgement. Babies that experience S2S Care early breastfeed 50 percent longer and tend to breastfeed exclusively.
What parents need to know
- Both parents can do S2S Care.
- Many babies can begin S2S Care at a very early age.
- Discuss with your nurse when it’s best to begin.
- Wear a loose shirt or blouse that opens in the front.
- Prior to S2S Care, use the restroom, have a snack and drink, and wash your hands.
- Your nurse will help you transfer your baby. A change in the baby’s vital signs may occur with the transfer but will return to baseline during S2S Care.
- Try to allow for 65 minutes of S2S Care so your baby can complete one sleep cycle.
- Call at the beginning of the shift and schedule a time to S2S Care.
- If baby is going to nuzzle at the breast, empty your breast prior to S2S Care.
- Moms may want to pump after S2S Care since it will increase milk production.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed on: 6/2024