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NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.
It’s a moment a lot of new mothers wait for – the second they can hold their brand new baby that they were just carrying for nine months. Dads too cannot wait to partake in the snuggle sessions, which is important because contact from both parents is vital for babies! Did you know that cuddling your baby – specifically skin-to-skin contact – has so many benefits?
The first three months of a child’s life has been referred to as the “fourth trimester” as it is a time that a baby comes from a dark, comfortable space to the world. Skin-to-skin cuddling can help recreate the womb feel, which helps your baby feel secure and attached to each parent. Ellen Hall, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant Nurse at NorthShore, discusses additional benefits of skin-to-skin cuddling:
Cuddling not only helps the baby, but helps new moms, too. Some studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact can minimize the risk of postpartum depression. It increases hormones associated with establishing good milk production, and increases maternal feelings of bonding and attachment to her baby.
At NorthShore, we follow safe skin-to-skin practices immediately after birth for healthy newborns and throughout the postpartum hospital stay.