Mother-infant Skin To Skin Contact Flashcards
Describe the mother’s physiological and normal adaptations that occur during skin to skin contact immediately post-birth.
Temperature regulation - skin-to-skin contact helps the mother’s body to regulate the newborn’s body temperature - mother’s chest provides warmth, and her body adjusts its temperature based on the infant’s needs - helping to prevent hypothermia in the newborn.
Milk production - the physical closeness and sensory stimulation during skin-to-skin contact stimulates the mother’s body to produce and release more prolactin - hormone responsible for milk production - promotes early initiation of breastfeeding and helps establish good milk supply.
Maternal-infant bonding - skin-to-skin contact triggers release of oxytocin in the mother’s body - oxytocin promotes feelings of relaxation, affection, and bonding - strengthening the emotional connection between mother and newborn.
Describe the newborn infant’s physiological and hormonal adaptations that occur during skin to skin contact immediately post-birth.
Temperature regulation - skin-to-skin contact helps regulate newborn’s body temperature - mother’s warm chest provides stable and comfortable environment - preventing hypothermia and helping baby maintain a normal body temperature.
Cardiovascular stability - close skin-to-skin contact stabilises the newborn’s heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure - this is due to the calming effect of the mother’s presence and the regulation of stress hormones.
Improved breathing - close proximity to the mother’s chest and the mother’s scent can enhance the baby’s breathing patterns, reduce episodes of apnea, and promote more regular breathing.
Enhanced breastfeeding initiation - the proximity and access to the mother’s breasts during skin-to-skin contact facilitate early breastfeeding initiation - newborn’s natural instinct to suckle is stimulated - increasing chances of successful breastfeeding.
