Skin to Skin after birth? Yes Please!

The benefits of skin to skin with your baby straight after birth have long been known but a Cochrane Review (a summary of the current evidence) published this week has put the subject back in the spotlight.

Just to clarify, skin to skin refers to immediate contact with your newborn with no towels or blankets between you. It is often referred to as the ‘Golden hour’ and is an important part of your baby’s transition to life outside of you regardless of whether you are opting to breast or formula feed. This doesn’t mean it is exclusive to their birthday though! It’s an all round nice experience for everyone involved and promotes connection and bonding in the days ahead.

‘Babies who have immediate skin to skin following their birth will benefit from improved health outcomes and are more likely to be exclusively breastfed’

Moore et al 2025

Imagine popping out from the perfect environment and having to quickly adjust to life as an independent being. Delayed cord clamping or a physiological third stage (you birthing your placenta without intervention) can help with this but baby’s are designed to stay close to you during this time. Over 7000 mothers and babies were included in the review and the researchers suggested the following:

Facilitating skin to skin impacts:

• Optimal blood sugar levels

• Regulation of body temperature

• Regulation of breathing patterns

• Regulation of heart rate

We also know from previous reviews that skin to skin helps both you and baby to feel calmer following birth, however that comes about. And did you know that you should be supported with skin to skin regardless of how and where you birth? And yes, this includes theatre.

So what happens if you don’t feel up to it following birth or you are unexpectedly unwell? Not a problem, baby will be content cuddling up with your significant other or a birth partner until you feel ready to take over.

With that in mind remember that with a healthy baby, the checks can wait whilst you enjoy getting to know your new arrival.

Catch up soon,

Jen :-)