Before I had my baby, I’d heard women talk about how “the breastfeeding thing” was tricky. And I thought, how can it be tricky? Seems like the most natural thing, right?
Then I had my baby. And yes, breastfeeding can be the most natural thing. It can be instinctual for both you and your little one. But, it can also prove challenging. Who’d have thought there was a technique? Am I doing it right? Is my baby getting enough?
So when my nurse midwife told me the simple practice of skin-to-skin would up my odds – significantly – of successful breastfeeding, I was pretty thrilled. Something so easy! Phew.
There’s a reason why both the Academy of Pediatrics and the Surgeon General are encouraging moms to practice skin-to-skin immediately after birth and throughout the post partum period. And that’s because research has shown that babies who are held skin-to-skin naturally seek out the breast and have better success latching; they have longer feedings, more intake, better weight gain; and an increased length of time that the baby receives only breastmilk.
Holy smokes. That’s huge. With all the other worries we have, isn’t it great to know that just holding your baby close to you will improve your breastfeeding outcome and help you meet your breastfeeding goals?
Keep it simple. Make immediate skin-to-skin contact part of your birth plan and continue to snuggle that little one skin-to-skin throughout those early months! See how the NüRoo Pocket provides coverage and mobility to mom’s practicing skin-to-skin. Available exclusively at Babies R Us.
