Health Update: Easier Breastfeeding?
How you cuddle your newborn after he’s born may affect how quickly you get the hang of nursing.
In a review of more than 30 studies of almost 2,000 mom-baby duos, researchers found that those who connected skin-to-skin were more likely to nurse and breastfed longer than those who cuddled babies swaddled in a receiving blanket. What’s more, infants held marsupial-style cried less and stayed warmer than bundled-up babies. “Newborns have a very sensitive sense of smell,” says study author Elizabeth Moore, PhD, a nursing instructor at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and a certified lactation consultant. “So when they’re naked on your skin, babies can more easily pick up subtle odor cues that guide them to nurse and feel comforted.”
Most new moms today know about the importance of early mother-baby bonding, says Moore. “But our study showed that snuggling and cuddling is even more effective when you’re both touching skin-to-skin.”
Having a c-section? Don’t worry about it derailing your kangaroo care game plan. “If you or your baby needs immediate medical attention after birth, skin-to-skin snuggling may not be possible, and that’s certainly not the end of the world,” says Moore. Sure, early bonding may give you a head start in breastfeeding, but it’s not the only way to ensure smooth sailing. Here, four ways to troubleshoot common concerns: