When it comes to welcoming a new addition to the family, the experience can be both fulfilling and challenging. Parents find themselves sacrificing sleep and making significant adjustments to their daily routines to cater to the needs of their crying and messy infant. However, the undeniable bond and love that develop when holding your baby make it all worthwhile. Apart from the emotional connection formed, there are also numerous health-related reasons why holding your baby is essential.
Lowers Infant Stress
Kangaroo care, a popular method of skin-to-skin contact, is particularly beneficial for preterm babies. This approach involves placing the baby in nothing but a diaper against a parent’s bare chest for a minimum of one hour, while a blanket or similar layer cocoons both the parent and infant. Experts recommend practicing kangaroo care regularly during the first three months of the baby’s life. By implementing kangaroo care, oxygen saturation levels and other stress markers are improved, resulting in a more relaxed baby. Furthermore, babies who receive kangaroo care often have shorter hospital stays and are less likely to require rehospitalization compared to those who do not receive this type of attention.
Lowers Parental Stress
One of the many benefits of holding your baby right after delivery is the release of beta-endorphin in the brain. Similar to a pain reliever, this hormone also induces a sense of relaxation in the parent. Moreover, holding your baby is not just a physical act, but also a mindful experience. It engages your senses of touch, smell, sight, and sound, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Whether your baby is awake and content or fast asleep, cherishing these details can be immensely fulfilling and grounding. Additionally, taking deep breaths while holding your baby can have a restorative effect on you, providing the necessary energy to tackle the daily challenges of caring for a newborn. Furthermore, when your baby is crying, holding them close to you and maintaining a calm breathing rhythm can help soothe them as well.