More than a cuddle: How skin-to-skin contact can benefit you, your baby and the whole family.
Skin-to-skin contact is when there are no clothes between you and your baby.
There has been lots of research showing how helpful skin-to-skin is for you and your baby. When your baby’s skin touches your skin, your bodies both make a special hormone called oxytocin. This hormone helps you and your baby feel more connected.
In a skin-to-skin cuddle, your baby can smell you, hear your voice, and feel your heartbeat. This helps your baby feel safe and calm. You can comfort your baby by touching them gently and talking to them.
There are many other ways to feel close to your baby if skin-to-skin is not possible today.
Look at the poster below to see some of the loving ways that you can comfort your baby.
