What Skin-to-Skin Contact Means
Skin-to-skin is when your naked baby (wearing only a diaper and sometimes a cap) is placed directly on your bare chest right after birth. Both of you are usually covered with a warm blanket. This position mimics the womb’s warmth and soundscape, helping your baby adjust gently to life outside.The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin for at least the first hour after birth, or until after the first breastfeed, unless there are medical complications.
Why Skin-to-Skin After Birth Matters
Research shows that initiating skin-to-skin promptly after delivery has measurable benefits:- Regulates vital signs: Helps stabilise your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
- Boosts breastfeeding success: Triggers early rooting and suckling reflexes, leading to higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
- Balances blood sugar: Reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia, especially in low-birth-weight or late preterm babies.
- Reduces stress: Lowers cortisol levels for both mother and baby, easing post-birth anxiety.
- Strengthens bonding: Boosts oxytocin release, which fosters emotional connection and may support maternal mental health.
When Skin-to-Skin Is Possible
Skin-to-skin can be done in most deliveries, but timing depends on your and your baby’s health:- Normal vaginal birth: Usually possible within minutes, as long as you are stable and the baby doesn’t need urgent resuscitation.
- Planned or emergency C-section: Increasingly possible in Indian hospitals that practise “gentle” or “family-centred” caesareans. The baby may be placed on your chest in the operating theatre or immediately after in recovery.
- NICU admissions: If your baby needs special care, skin-to-skin (also called kangaroo care) can often be started later, once they are stable.
How to Ask for Skin-to-Skin in an Indian Hospital
Because hospital routines can delay or interrupt skin-to-skin, for weighing, injections, or bathing, making your preference clear in advance helps.- Include it in your birth plan: Write down that you want immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin unless medically impossible.
- Discuss at your 36–38 week check-up: Confirm with your gynaecologist that the hospital supports early skin-to-skin.
- Inform the labour room staff on arrival: Nurses and junior doctors are often the first to handle the baby.
- Have your birth partner advocate: Right after delivery, you may be tired or in surgery; your partner can remind the staff.
- Ask for delayed routine procedures: Request that weighing, cord care, or non-urgent checks be done after the first hour.
When It May Be Delayed or Not Possible
Certain conditions require medical stabilisation first:- Baby not breathing well at birth
- Severe maternal bleeding or low blood pressure
- Need for urgent surgery or anaesthesia adjustments
- Preterm birth with respiratory distress
Preparing for Skin-to-Skin
- Wear a front-opening gown or loose T-shirt so the baby can be placed directly on your chest.
- Tell your birth partner to keep a camera ready, but not to interrupt the bonding time.
- Ask for a warm blanket to cover both of you, especially in air-conditioned labour rooms.
- Avoid strong perfumes or lotions before birth, as babies recognise your natural scent.
Skin-to-skin is a simple, powerful start to your baby’s life, and one you can almost always request in India with the right preparation. By speaking to your care team in advance and making it part of your birth plan, you ensure that this first golden hour is spent where your baby belongs: on your chest, feeling your warmth, heartbeat, and love.
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FAQs on How to Ask for and Prepare for Skin-to-Skin After Delivery
- Is skin-to-skin safe after a C-section?
Yes, if both mother and baby are stable. Many hospitals can arrange it in the operating theatre or recovery room - How long should I do skin-to-skin?
At least one uninterrupted hour, but you can repeat it anytime in the first days and weeks. - Can my partner do skin-to-skin?
Yes. If you’re not immediately able, your partner can hold the baby chest-to-chest until you’re ready. - Will it affect delayed cord clamping or other birth practices?
Usually no, but confirm with your doctor. Some steps, like cord blood banking, may need coordination.
