Nederlands 
Physical closeness with your newborn is essential. And direct contact with bare skin works even better. The first few hours after birth are perfect for this. Your baby is often very alert after delivery, taking everything in, and has an enormous “skin hunger.” Did you know that skin-to-skin contact also helps you recover faster?
Cuddling skin-to-skin is especially beneficial for premature babies. Whether it’s with you, your partner, or even grandparents, brothers, or sisters.
Cuddling or “kangaroo care”
Skin-to-skin contact is also known as cuddling or kangaroo care. Your baby lies naked on your bare chest. Right after birth, this often feels completely natural. The scent, warmth, and softness of your skin help your little one recover from the delivery, which releases a lot of stress hormones. Skin-to-skin contact helps reduce those hormones. Your baby rests calmly on your chest, covered with a warm blanket. This can even be done after a C-section, as long as your baby’s health allows it.
The happiness hormone
Cuddling skin-to-skin also helps you relax and catch your breath after giving birth. The direct contact stimulates the release of oxytocin, the so-called happiness hormone, in both you and your baby.
If you need stitches after delivery, having your baby close can be a great distraction. And oxytocin even helps reduce pain. According to research, the same hormone also improves milk production, and can boost your baby’s immune system. Handy, right? Mother Nature thought of everything.
Building a bond
The first hour after birth is often called the golden hour. During this time, your baby is very awake and alert because of the adrenaline from birth. This golden hour is crucial for building your first emotional bond. Forming this connection helps your baby feel safe and secure, which is an important foundation for healthy development later on. Skin-to-skin contact right after birth gives you both a strong start.
Premature babies
Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for all newborns, not only in the precious first hours after birth but also in the weeks that follow. Premature babies, in particular, benefit enormously from it.
It might feel strange to take such a fragile baby out of the incubator, especially when they’re attached to various tubes and monitors. But with the help of the medical staff, you’ll quickly learn how to do it safely. And your baby becomes stronger and more resilient as a result.
Kangaroo-care with partners and family
Having your little one snuggled naked against your bare chest is a special moment between mother and baby. But partners can absolutely do this too. Even grandparents, brothers, and sisters sometimes join in! This way, the most important people in your baby’s life can also build a close connection. Just make sure your baby is calm enough for it. If they’re restless or don’t seem in the mood, it’s better to wait. Always have someone nearby to watch and make sure the cuddling adult doesn’t fall asleep, and that the baby’s nose remains clear for easy breathing.
How to do skin-to-skin (kangaroo care)
The right position is important. Place your baby on your bare chest, wearing only a diaper. You (or your partner) should recline slightly in a comfortable chair. Make sure your baby’s knees are tucked up and their airway is clear. If you start feeling sleepy, ask your partner or the maternity nurse to take the baby from you. For more detailed instructions, check the Cuddling (Buidelen) leaflet from Bravis Hospital.
Benefits of skin-to-skin contact
Mothers who have frequent skin-to-skin contact in the first weeks often find breastfeeding easier. It helps trigger the let-down reflex and improves milk production. Research also shows that mothers who cuddle this way tend to breastfeed for longer. Babies who experience skin-to-skin contact also sleep better. They are calmer because they feel safe and secure. And very young babies are better able to regulate their body temperature through the warmth of their parent, saving energy they can instead use to grow.