The Power of Connection: Redefining Newborn Care Through Skin-to-Skin Contact

October 2, 2024 Anna Turcotte

Over the past few decades, birthing practices have evolved significantly. Gone are the days when newborns were routinely separated from their mothers immediately after birth to be bathed and swaddled in the nursery while moms rested.

Research shows that immediate skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in—where babies remain in the same room as their mothers—offer substantial benefits for both mother and child. Skin-to-skin contact promotes breastfeeding success, regulates the baby’s heart rate and body temperature, and helps establish a strong bond between mother and child. Studies also indicate that babies who room-in with their mothers experience less stress, cry less, and are more likely to breastfeed exclusively. In addition, mothers’ are less likely to have postpartum depression, more likely to have a good milk supply, and experience more confidence in mothering.

A family-centered approach to childbirth has become standard in many hospitals, prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of both mother and baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF advocate for the "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative," which supports practices like early initiation of breastfeeding, avoiding unnecessary separation, and educating parents about infant care, specifically the importance of touch and skin-to-skin contact. However, despite these recommendations, the implementation of such practices can sometimes lag behind the latest research, often due to hospital policies, staffing limitations, or outdated practices.

A newborn baby in the hospital wearing a Bonsie's Peony Footie.

One specific instance where the physical connection between a mother and her newborn is particularly beneficial is during routine medical tests. These tests are to ensure babies are ready to go home and include screenings for hearing, metabolic disorders, and jaundice, as well as routine checks of their heart and lungs. Oftentimes, these tests are performed while the baby is in a bassinet or taken out of the room, but nurses like Lauren Brown focus on a more family-centered approach. As a NICU RN, Lauren educates mothers about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding as a way to comfort their babies during blood draws and other uncomfortable medical procedures. Both nurturing practices ease the pain of shots and reduce the discomfort of cold medical equipment thanks to the boost of oxytocin and the loving presence of the mother, whose smell, warmth, and sound are so familiar.

“Moms can absolutely use skin-to-skin contact or holding during their hospital stay to provide comfort to their baby during medical tests or non-sterile procedures. As a NICU nurse, I actually prefer it! Not only is it a chance for moms and parents to bond with their baby, the baby is usually calmer and happier when such tests are being done. They know their baby best and know what can calm them, so this is helpful when trying to draw newborn labs, holding for an ECHO or other tests, and even doing skin-to-skin/holding while the nurses assess the baby and complete vitals. I encourage any mamas to voice their desire to hold their baby and do skin-to-skin in such circumstances and explain how important it is to them. This is their experience and it should go, if possible, exactly how they want it."

"Family-centered care should always be the goal!” Lauren said.

Lauren Brown at a NICU graduation party.

With 11 years of experience, Lauren has seen countless instances where a mother's touch soothes her newborn. As she continues her nursing career and trains new nurses, her goal is to make it more common for both moms and dads to be actively involved in their baby’s care while in the hospital.

“Moms are usually surprised when I tell them they can keep holding or breastfeeding while I grab a blood sugar or check vitals. I don’t think it’s as common as it SHOULD be. It’s empowering when a parent can be involved in care like this! Just the other day I was orienting a new nurse and we had to draw labs, but mom was holding skin-to-skin. I taught her how to draw labs while mom was holding, and the baby (a preemie) didn’t cry once because he was being held by his mama. It made the mom and my orientee so happy that he stayed calm, and I was grateful to have a quick and easy blood draw! I have done many blood draws while a baby is breastfeeding and most of them do not notice a thing because they’re focused on mama's good milk.”

Sarah, a mother of two, learned the importance of advocating for herself and her baby in the hospital. “After I had my first baby five years ago, I vividly remember the jaundice test. The nurse kept poking and squeezing my daughter’s tiny foot because she couldn’t get a good blood sample. My baby screamed in her bassinet while my husband held her hand and tried to comfort her. As first-time parents, we were caught off guard and didn’t know what to do. A second nurse had to come in and help, and those minutes felt like torture. I didn’t realize at the time that it was an option to hold her. I regret not speaking up or asking more questions, and I wish the nurses had offered that option and guided us a bit more.”

When Sarah had her second baby, she didn’t make the same mistake twice. She and her husband knew what questions to ask and didn’t hesitate to make requests in their baby’s best interest.

A new mom holds her baby. Baby is wearing Bonsie's Milk Baby Bag Set

“When I had my second daughter, I asked the nurse if I could hold her skin-to-skin during the jaundice test and every other test they performed. There was one test they were planning to take her out of the room for, but I requested they do it while I held her instead. The nurse had to leave to get permission but returned and did the test right there. I was much more knowledgeable and prepared this time. Five years ago, I had no idea about the many benefits of skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding, and I wish I’d known then what I know now. Babies are so comforted by their mom and dad, and that strong connection forms the foundation of their physical and emotional well-being."

"Take full advantage of every opportunity to hold your baby, talk to them, make eye contact, and strengthen that bond.”

Bonsie Skin to Skin Babywear is dedicated to providing information and support to new parents, fostering a strong and healthy attachment with their babies. Small moments, such as routine medical tests, can evoke feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in new mothers, or they can create a sense of confidence and bonding with their child. We understand the impact of these moments because we've experienced them ourselves. Knowledge is power, and education can bridge the gap in delivering more family-centered care in hospitals. Nurses like Lauren Brown are true heroes, making an immeasurable difference every day that lasts a lifetime for parents and their children.

For more information, here’s a list of standard tests commonly performed on newborns in the hospital:

Jaundice Assessment: Monitors bilirubin levels to detect jaundice, which can lead to complications if not treated.
Newborn Screening Tests: A series of blood tests typically conducted to identify genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. This may include tests for conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis.
Hearing Screening: A test to detect possible hearing loss, often using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR) methods.
Congenital Heart Disease Screening: Uses pulse oximetry to check for heart defects by measuring oxygen levels in the blood.
Physical Exam: A thorough examination to check for physical abnormalities and assess overall health.
Blood Glucose Screening: Checks for hypoglycemia, especially in infants at risk (e.g., those with diabetic mothers).
Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening: A specific type of pulse oximetry test to detect serious heart defects.