Is skin-to-skin better with dad or mom?

The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact, often referred to as “kangaroo care,” is a practice that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the context of newborn care. This practice involves placing a baby directly against the skin of a parent, typically on the chest, and is known to offer numerous benefits. While the majority of studies have focused on mothers due to their role in gestation and breastfeeding, an emerging body of research highlights the advantages of skin-to-skin contact with fathers as well.
The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact
Both mothers and fathers can provide unique benefits through skin-to-skin contact:
– For Mothers:
– Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact enhances the emotional connection between mother and baby, promoting bonding through the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.”
– Breastfeeding Facilitation: This practice encourages breastfeeding, as it helps stimulate the baby’s natural feeding instincts and promotes milk production.
– Thermal Regulation: Mothers can help regulate the baby’s body temperature, ensuring they remain warm and comfortable.
– For Fathers:
– Emotional Bonding: Similar to mothers, fathers also experience increased levels of oxytocin, which fosters a strong emotional connection with their newborn.
– Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact can reduce stress levels in both the baby and the father, creating a calmer environment.
– Support for Mothers: Fathers engaging in skin-to-skin care can relieve some of the pressure on mothers, providing them with a supportive role during the early days.
Research Insights
Recent studies suggest that skin-to-skin contact with fathers can be just as beneficial as with mothers. For instance, research published in pediatric health journals indicates that infants who experience skin-to-skin time with their fathers exhibit similar physiological and psychological responses as those who spend time with their mothers. This includes improved heart rate stability, better sleep patterns, and enhanced emotional development.
Moreover, in cases where mothers are unable to perform skin-to-skin contact due to health issues or other circumstances, fathers stepping in can provide essential nurturing that supports the baby’s development.
Conclusion: A Shared Experience
In conclusion, skin-to-skin contact is beneficial regardless of whether it is with mom or dad. Each parent brings unique advantages to this intimate practice, fostering a nurturing environment that aids in the baby’s development. As awareness grows, it’s increasingly recognized that fathers play a crucial role in this experience, contributing equally to the emotional and physical well-being of their newborns. Thus, promoting skin-to-skin contact with both parents can optimize the benefits for the child, creating a well-rounded foundation for early life bonding and development.

How much does skin-to-skin with dad cost?

When they received their hospital bill for more than $13,000 (£10,000), proud new father Ryan was surprised to find it included a $39.35 charge for “skin to skin”, or holding the baby, immediately after the delivery.

Why do hospitals charge dads for skin-to-skin?

It sounds silly, perhaps, but it’s a valid precaution. The point of the extra nurse in the room is to help the parents perform this bonding act in a situation wherein it would normally never be allowed. Remember, this is the operating room: a sterile zone for performing surgery.

Is skin to skin more important for mom or dad?

“Those initial benefits to the baby still apply.” That means babies that are skin-to-skin with their dads can better regulate their temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood sugar, just like with mom. They can also exchange the skin flora with dad as well.

Why is baby calmer with dad?

because it’s their father, and they love and feel comfortable with them. Sometimes, the mom is so stressed by other things, or by the baby crying, that the tension carries over to the baby, making it hard for the baby to sleep, while Daddy is more calm and relaxed, lending that calm to the baby.

Can baby sense when dad is stressed?

Studies have shown that infants as young as one month-old sense when a parent is depressed or angry and are affected by the parent’s mood. Understanding that even infants are affected by adult emotions can help parents do their best in supporting their child’s healthy development.

What determines the beauty of a baby?

Ultimately, there is no accurate way to predict what your baby will look like or even what features they might have, like eye or hair color or how tall they will be. All of your baby’s features will come down to a combination of genes that can be influenced by other factors such as medical conditions and environment.

Is skin-to-skin more important for mom or dad?

“Those initial benefits to the baby still apply.” That means babies that are skin-to-skin with their dads can better regulate their temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood sugar, just like with mom. They can also exchange the skin flora with dad as well.

Is baby skin color depend on mother or father?

A baby’s skin color is determined by the genes inherited from both parents. If the father is light-skinned and the mother is white, the baby could have a range of skin tones depending on the specific combination of genes. It could be light or fair, similar to the father or the mother, or somewhere in between.

Do dads need to shave for skin-to-skin?

However when mum goes for a shower is the perfect time for dads/partners to have skin to skin with baby. If you would like to do this, please do not shave your chest as this can cause sharp stubble which may upset baby’s skin.

Why do babies get upset when dads shave?

Why do babies cry when their dad shaves his beard? If young children prefer a lack of beard, why do they cry when dad shaves his off? The answer is simple: they don’t recognize you anymore. Beards are such a dominant feature that they change our whole face shape and look.