The first hours after birth are a developmentally distinct time for a baby and there are well documented short and long term physical and psychological advantages when a baby is held skin to skin during this time.
When a baby is in skin to skin contact after birth there are nine observable newborn stages, happening in a specific order, that are innate and instinctive for the baby. Within each of these stages, there are a variety of actions the baby may demonstrate.
Stage 1: The Birth Cry
The first stage is the birth cry. This distinctive cry occurs immediately after birth as the baby’s lungs expand.
Stage 2: Relaxation
The second stage is the relaxation stage. During the relaxation stage, the newborn exhibits no mouth movements and the hands are relaxed. This stage usually begins when the birth cry has stopped. The baby is skin to skin with the mother and covered with a warm, dry towel or blanket.
Stage 3: Awakening
The third stage is the awakening stage. During this stage the newborn exhibits small thrusts of movement in the head and shoulders. This stage usually begins about 3 minutes after birth. The newborn in the awakening stage may exhibit head movements, open his eyes, show some mouth activity and might move his shoulders.
Stage 4: Activity
The fourth stage is the activity stage. During this stage, the newborn begins to make increased mouthing and sucking movements as the rooting reflex becomes more obvious. This stage usually begins about 8 minutes after birth.
Stage 5: Rest
At any point, the baby may rest. The baby may have periods of resting between periods of activity throughout the first hour or so after birth.
Stage 6: Crawling
The sixth stage is the crawling stage. The baby approaches the breast during this stage with short periods of action that result in reaching the breast and nipple. This stage usually begins about 35 minutes after birth.
Stage 7: Familiarization
The seventh stage is called familiarization. During this stage, the newborn becomes acquainted with the mother by licking the nipple and touching and massaging her breast. This stage usually begins around 45 minutes after birth and could last for 20 minutes or more.
Stage 8: Suckling
The eighth stage is suckling. During this stage, the newborn takes the nipple, self attaches and suckles. This early experience of learning to breastfeed usually begins about an hour after birth. If the mother has had analgesia/anesthesia during labor, it may take more time with skin to skin for the baby to complete the stages and begin suckling.
Stage 9: Sleep
The final stage is sleep. The baby and sometimes the mother fall into a restful sleep. Babies usually fall asleep about 1½ to 2 hours after birth. |
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Benefits for Babies:
Regardless of how you are feeding your baby, your baby can benefit from skin to skin contact. |
- Babies are warmer.
- Babies are calmer.
- Babies can hear their mother’s heartbeat.
- Heart and breathing rates are normalized.
- Milk supply may be improved.
- Other family members can hold and bond with babies through skin to skin holding too!
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What To Do in the First Hour with Mother
- You and your baby are covered with a blanket. The baby’s head stays out. The baby is naked and not wrapped. You and your baby will rest skin to skin for an hour or two after birth. This is a special time for you and your baby. Necessary procedures and checks are done with the mother and baby skin to skin.
- If there are medical reasons that keep you and your baby from skin to skin holding right after birth, start as soon as possible.
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| If you are on medications or anything that might impair your strength or ability to stay awake when holding the baby, be sure someone else can help you care for the baby and hold the baby skin to skin. |
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Kajsa Brimdyr, PhD, CLC
Healthy Children Project
159 Long Pond Drive
Harwich, MA 02645, (508) 888 8044 |
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