What should be a new mother's priority when caring for her newborn after delivery?

Providing skin-to-skin contact is crucial for a new mother when caring for her newborn after delivery. This practice, often referred to as kangaroo care, involves holding the baby against the mother’s bare chest. This intimate contact facilitates bonding, regulates the baby's body temperature, and promotes breastfeeding success. Skin-to-skin contact also helps stabilize the infant's heart rate and breathing, reduces stress for both mother and baby, and enhances the newborn's overall well-being by providing a sense of security.

This practice is particularly beneficial in the immediate hours after delivery when the baby is most alert and ready to initiate breastfeeding. Establishing this connection can positively impact breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, which are vital for the infant's nutrition and immunity in the early days of life. Overall, prioritizing skin-to-skin contact enriches the transition into motherhood and encourages vital early interactions between mother and infant.