# Skin-to-Skin at Birth

Source: https://www.pregnancypowerhour.com/birth/skin-to-skin-at-birth
Last updated: 2026-07-15

> Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth involves placing your newborn directly on your chest, fostering a gentle transition and supporting early bonding and feeding.

Immediate skin-to-skin contact at birth, often called the 'golden hour' or 'kangaroo care,' is a gentle, evidence-based practice where your newborn is placed directly onto your bare chest right after delivery, fostering a profound connection and supporting their natural transition to the outside world.

## What it is

Skin-to-skin contact involves placing your newborn, naked except for a diaper, directly onto your bare chest, belly-down, immediately after birth. A warm blanket is then placed over both of you to maintain warmth. This practice is typically encouraged to be uninterrupted for at least the first hour, allowing the baby to adjust to their new environment and engage in natural behaviors like rooting and latching for their first feeding. It's a quiet, intimate time designed to support the initial bonding period and physiological stability for both parent and baby. This can be a beautiful continuation after the intense work of [Pushing — Second Stage of Labor](/birth/pushing-second-stage) or a calm welcome after a cesarean birth.

## What the evidence says

Research strongly supports the benefits of immediate skin-to-skin contact. The Cochrane review highlights improved breastfeeding initiation, better temperature regulation for the newborn, enhanced bonding, and reduced infant crying. This practice also promotes parent-baby cardiovascular synchrony, a subtle but powerful connection. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative recommend uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least the first hour after birth. It's important to know that routine newborn procedures, such as weighing, measuring, eye ointment, and vitamin K, can typically be delayed for this first hour without compromising your baby's care. Additionally, routine suctioning of newborns is no longer recommended unless specific respiratory distress is present with meconium, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

## When it's recommended

Immediate skin-to-skin contact is recommended for all healthy newborns, ideally right after birth. This applies to both vaginal and cesarean births. For those undergoing a cesarean, many hospitals now support a "gentle cesarean" approach, which can include skin-to-skin contact right in the operating room. If for any reason the birthing parent is unable to provide immediate skin-to-skin, perhaps due to recovery or medical needs, a partner can step in. Partner skin-to-skin is also incredibly beneficial for the baby's well-being and for fostering that early connection. This practice seamlessly integrates into the immediate postpartum period, often occurring during the [Third Stage — Delivering the Placenta](/birth/third-stage-placenta) and beyond.

## Brittany's doula perspective

As a doula, I often see how immediate skin-to-skin contact can bring a profound sense of calm and connection to the birthing space. It's a simple yet powerful practice that truly honors the natural transition for your newborn. While the evidence is clear, routine hospital practices can sometimes inadvertently interrupt this precious time. This is where your informed decisions truly come into play. You get to decide what feels right for your family. One option might be to discuss your preferences for uninterrupted skin-to-skin with your care provider well in advance, ensuring it's part of your birth plan. Even if you've chosen pain relief like [Epidural Anesthesia](/birth/epidural), skin-to-skin remains a valuable and accessible practice. Remember, advocating for this uninterrupted time can make a significant difference in your early bonding experience and your baby's gentle welcome to the world. Your provider is your best resource for your specific situation, and discussing these preferences with them can help ensure your wishes are understood and respected.