The Role of Skin-to-Skin Contact in Promoting Lactation Success: Research Insights

Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC

Skin-to-skin contact has long been recognized as a cornerstone of successful lactation and neonatal health. Yet, the profound physiological and psychological mechanisms underpinning this practice often remain under-communicated to lactation professionals and healthcare providers. In this blog, we explore the role of skin-to-skin contact in fostering lactation success, drawing on the work of Dr. Nils Bergman, a leading expert in neonatal and maternal care.

The Science Behind Skin-to-Skin Contact

Dr. Nils Bergman emphasizes that the mother’s chest is a biological “habitat” for the newborn, designed to regulate the baby’s physiology and behavior. His research reveals that skin-to-skin contact activates the infant’s parasympathetic nervous system, stabilizing heart rate, temperature, and breathing patterns. For mothers, this contact triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” which plays a crucial role in milk ejection and emotional bonding.

Key Benefits for Lactation

1. Increased Milk Production

Studies, including those led by Dr. Bergman, show that mothers who engage in frequent skin-to-skin contact have higher prolactin levels. This hormone is essential for milk production, and its levels are optimized when mothers are relaxed and in close contact with their infants.

2. Improved Latch and Feeding Cues

Babies placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth exhibit more instinctive feeding behaviors. They often self-attach to the breast with minimal intervention, leading to a more effective latch. Dr. Bergman’s work highlights that uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth significantly increases the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding.

3. Enhanced Maternal Confidence

Skin-to-skin fosters maternal responsiveness, reducing stress and promoting a sense of competence. Mothers report feeling more attuned to their baby’s needs, which can positively influence breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.

Practical Strategies for Healthcare Providers

1. Immediate Implementation After Birth

Encourage uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery, regardless of delivery mode. Advocate for delaying non-essential procedures to prioritize this critical bonding period.

2. Support During Hospital Stays

Facilitate skin-to-skin in hospital settings, particularly in NICUs, where it is often referred to as “kangaroo care.” Emphasize its role in stabilizing premature or low-birth-weight infants.

3. Education and Advocacy

Educate families on the importance of ongoing skin-to-skin contact beyond the hospital stay. Highlight its benefits for lactation and overall infant health.

4. Overcoming Cultural and Systemic Barriers

Address misconceptions and systemic practices that may hinder skin-to-skin contact. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create supportive policies and environments.

Evidence-Based Practice and Continued Learning

As lactation professionals, it is imperative to stay informed about emerging research in this area. Dr. Bergman’s work underscores the need to view breastfeeding not as an isolated task but as part of a broader biological system deeply rooted in maternal-infant interaction. By advocating for skin-to-skin contact, we can empower families, enhance lactation outcomes, and foster lifelong health for mothers and babies.

Call to Action

How are you incorporating skin-to-skin contact into your practice? Share your experiences and strategies with our community of healthcare professionals. Together, we can continue to champion practices that prioritize the biological needs of mothers and infants.

References

• Bergman, N. (2012). Hold Your Premie. Kangaroo Mother Care Foundation.

• Moore, E. R., et al. (2016). “Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

The Rumble Tuff website does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material, are intended for informational and educational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although we make efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research.

Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on the Rumble Tuff website.

Before taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbs, consult a physician for a thorough evaluation. Rumble Tuff does not endorse any medications, vitamins, or herbs. A qualified physician should make a decision based on each person’s medical history and current prescriptions. The medication summaries provided do not include all of the information important for patient use and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The prescribing physician should be consulted concerning any questions that you have.

In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Rumble Tuff does not recommend or endorse any specific test, physician, product, procedure, opinion, or any other information provided on its website. Reliance on any information provided by Rumble Tuff, Rumble Tuff employees, or others represented on the website by Rumble Tuff’s’ invitation or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk.

0 comments