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Cuddling Newborns Cuddling Newborns

The Importance Of Cuddling A Newborn

Today’s program is about the ways and importance of cuddling newborn babies.

Hello current and prospective mother and fathers,

I will be discussing all about cuddling newborns, often referred to as skin-to-skin contact, is a deeply meaningful experience that fosters an unbreakable bond between you and your baby. This practice not only strengthens the emotional connection but also offers a myriad of health benefits for both the newborn and the parents.

Throughout pregnancy your baby lived in a soft womb tissue and moving in fluid inside the mother’s body with all their system being managed by the mother’s body. This was a way of life the baby knew and was used to. However, when they were born to this world, lying on a still and firm bed can be extremely disturbing. This is why your baby wants to always be in your lap.

Mothers on the other hand, can get tired of carrying their babies after a while. Some face criticism from others for holding their babies in their laps. “You are making the baby get used to being in your lap!” is a common phrase mothers would hear. When in reality, the baby actually needs this.

A Way For Cuddling Newborns

 

One of the ways you could be cuddling newborns is with a carriers. There are many types of carrier out there such as the shawl carrier method where a 5-meter long shawl is wrapped around the mother with a space for the baby to be placed in front of the mothers stomach. In this position the baby is in contact to the mother tummy to tummy and gets the smell of milk. When the mother walks, the baby can feel the rhythm that they felt for 9 months when they were in the womb, and this calms the baby, and the tummy touches the mothers’, and the baby hears the mother’s heartbeat and relaxes. Plus, using this method of cuddling newborns, mothers can free up their arms from holding their baby and can perform other task while still having their baby close.

Benefits of Cuddling Your Newborn

Cuddling newborn provides a range of physical, emotional, and developmental benefits:

  1. Enhances Bonding and Emotional Security
    • When you hold your baby close, the hormone oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone," is released. This strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of safety and trust.
    • Babies who experience regular cuddling show reduced stress levels and better emotional regulation as they grow.
  2. Supports Physical Development
    • Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes a newborn's heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels. It helps regulate body temperature, ensuring the baby stays warm and comfortable.
    • Research suggests that premature infants who receive skin-to-skin care (kangaroo care) gain weight faster and have shorter hospital stays.
  3. Promotes Better Sleep and Reduced Crying
    • Newborns held close to their parents tend to cry less and sleep more soundly. This can improve the quality of sleep for the entire family.
    • The calming effect of cuddling newborns reduces stress hormones in the baby, contributing to their overall well-being.
  4. Boosts Breastfeeding Success
    • Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps initiate breastfeeding, encouraging a natural latch.
    • It stimulates milk production in mothers and promotes longer breastfeeding durations.

Cuddling newborn is much more than an emotional act—it's a vital practice that promotes physical, emotional, and developmental health. By incorporating this into your daily routine, you’re creating a nurturing environment that supports your baby’s growth and strengthens your family bond.