The First Hours

Skin-to-skin contact helps keep your newborn warm and secure.

Your baby should be placed skin-to-skin with you right at the time of birth. In fact, some hospitals practice skin-to-skin after C-sections in the operating room. It’s also great for partners to be skin-to-skin with your baby.

• The cream on the newborns’ skin is good for them – it protects their skin from infection and helps keep them warm.
• Most babies are then ready to breastfeed within the first hour.
• Continue to hold your baby skin-to-skin frequently during the first weeks.
• Make sure you can ALWAYS see your baby’s face to look for good color and normal breathing.