The Magic of Skin-to-Skin: Why the First Hour Matters

The moment your baby is placed on your bare chest—wet, warm, and finally here—is one of the most powerful experiences of birth. But skin-to-skin contact isn't just emotionally significant; it's biologically essential.

Let's explore the science behind this practice and how to ensure you get this precious time.

What Is Skin-to-Skin Contact?

Skin-to-skin contact (also called kangaroo care) means placing your naked baby directly against your bare chest, usually with a warm blanket covering both of you.

The World Health Organization recommends that this happen immediately after birth and continue uninterrupted for at least the first hour—often called the "golden hour."

The Science Behind It

Regulation and Transition

When a baby is born, they face a massive transition from womb to world. Your body is perfectly designed to help with this transition:

Temperature regulation: Your chest automatically adjusts to warm or cool your baby. Studies show mothers' chests regulate temperature more effectively than warmers.

Heart rate and breathing: Babies against their mothers' skin have more stable heart rates and breathing patterns.

Blood sugar: Skin-to-skin helps stabilize blood sugar, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Brain Development

The sensory experience of skin-to-skin releases hormones in both mother and baby that:

• Reduce stress hormones (cortisol) in the baby
• Activate reward centers in the mother's brain
• Support healthy brain development
• Create neural pathways for bonding

Microbiome Transfer

When your baby is on your skin, they're colonized by your bacteria. This might sound strange, but it's crucial:

• Your microbiome helps establish your baby's immune system
• Babies born via cesarean benefit especially from skin-to-skin
• This early colonization affects health throughout life

Benefits for Baby

Immediate Benefits

• Easier transition from womb to world
• Stable vital signs (temperature, heart rate, breathing)
• Less crying and stress behaviors
• Better blood sugar regulation
• Improved breastfeeding initiation

Long-Term Benefits

Research has linked early skin-to-skin to:

• Better breastfeeding outcomes overall
• Stronger immune function
• Improved weight gain in the first weeks
• Enhanced bonding and attachment
• Better neurodevelopmental outcomes

Benefits for Mother

Physical Benefits

• Faster delivery of the placenta due to oxytocin release
• Reduced bleeding after birth
• Quicker uterine contraction
• Better milk supply establishment

Emotional Benefits

• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Lower rates of postpartum depression
• Stronger feelings of bonding
• Increased confidence in caring for baby
• More positive birth experience memories

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is called the "golden hour" because:

Baby's Alert State

Newborns have a unique period of alertness immediately after birth. During this time, they:

• Open their eyes and look around
• May make eye contact with you
• Have strong feeding instincts
• Can find the breast themselves if given time

This alert period is followed by deep sleep. If separated during the golden hour, the opportunity is missed.

Breastfeeding Initiation

Babies who have skin-to-skin are more likely to:

• Latch successfully on the first try
• Breastfeed longer overall
• Have fewer breastfeeding problems

The "breast crawl"—where babies literally crawl to the breast using instinctive reflexes—is remarkable to witness and more likely with uninterrupted skin-to-skin.

Skin-to-Skin After Cesarean

If you're having a cesarean section, skin-to-skin is still possible:

In the Operating Room

Many hospitals now offer:

• Immediate skin-to-skin on mom's chest during closing
• Clear drapes so you can see baby placed on you
• Delayed routine procedures to allow bonding

If Mom Can't Hold Baby

Partners can do skin-to-skin too! If you're unable immediately, your partner can:

• Hold baby skin-to-skin in the recovery room
• Maintain the benefits until you're able
• Bond with baby in this powerful way

What About Newborn Procedures?

Many routine newborn procedures can wait:

Can Be Delayed

• Weight and measurements (can wait an hour or more)
• First bath (WHO recommends waiting 24 hours)
• Eye ointment (can be done during skin-to-skin)
• Vitamin K injection (can often wait an hour)

Timing Discussions

Talk to your provider about:

• Which procedures are truly urgent
• What can be done while baby is on your chest
• How to delay non-urgent assessments

How to Make It Happen

Include It in Your Birth Plan

Clearly state your preferences:

• "I would like immediate skin-to-skin after birth"
• "Please delay non-urgent newborn procedures"
• "If I'm unable, please place baby skin-to-skin with my partner"

Communicate With Your Team

• Discuss expectations at prenatal appointments
• Remind nurses when you arrive at the hospital
• Have your support person advocate for you during labor

Dress Appropriately

Wear a gown that opens in front or go gown-free under a blanket so there are no barriers when baby arrives.

Plan for Cesarean

If you know you're having a cesarean:

• Request a gentle/family-centered cesarean
• Ask about skin-to-skin in the OR
• Ensure your partner knows they may hold baby first

When Skin-to-Skin Isn't Possible

Sometimes immediate skin-to-skin isn't possible due to:

• Baby needing medical attention
• Mother needing emergency care
• Baby requiring special observation

If this happens:

• Don't feel guilty—your baby's health comes first
• Do skin-to-skin as soon as possible when stable
• Know the benefits remain even if delayed
• Partners can provide contact in the meantime

Beyond the First Hour

Skin-to-skin isn't just for birth. Continue it:

• During the hospital stay
• While breastfeeding at home
• During fussy periods
• For bonding throughout infancy

Both parents benefit from skin-to-skin time.

The Bottom Line

Skin-to-skin contact is one of the most natural and beneficial things you can do for your newborn. It's free, requires no equipment, and has profound effects on both physical and emotional health.

Make it a priority in your birth plan, communicate your wishes clearly, and then simply enjoy those precious first moments with your baby against your heart.

Ready to document your skin-to-skin preferences? Include them in your birth plan to ensure your care team knows your wishes.