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Introduction
It is a common practice in some hospitals to separate the infant from his or her mother right after birth. The mother can see her newborn after some time when the baby is already wrapped or dressed. However, many believe that an instant contact of the mother and her newborn child is vital for both. Researchers also corroborate this statement and argue that direct skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for the mothers health and relationship with the child. While many of the studies concentrate on the benefits that this practice can have for the baby, some also pay attention to the improvements it can have for the mother. The process of giving a mother her newborn right after birth positively affects their bond, benefits breastfeeding, and improves her mental health.
Connection
Mothers and their children can form a stronger bond during the first few hours following birth. According to Crenshaw (2014), the first hour after birth is an extremely sensitive period, when the mothers affective response to her newborn is very high. This time is essential for the mother and the baby because they need to form a connection. Mothers body releases oxytocin and beta-endorphin, which help her to have a positive reaction to the baby, make her feel calm and happy. Beta-endorphin is a hormone that acts as an analgesic in this case (Crenshaw, 2014). Thus, the relationship between the two people becomes positive from the start. Also, as the newborn starts to seek eye contact, the mother is there to respond and provide her attention to the child. It is another outcome that supports natural reflexes in the mother. As both an adult and a baby are allowed to follow their instincts, their bonding is natural and unforced.
Breastfeeding
Another benefit for the mother that comes from holding and looking at her child after birth is her bodys response to skin-to-skin touch. As the mother is given the baby immediately after birth, the uninterrupted contact between them creates a comfortable environment for breastfeeding. Redshaw, Hennegan, and Kruske (2014) note that skin-to-skin touch and an immediate connection promote successful and prolonged breastfeeding and help the mother to form a positive perception of this process. The close contact between the mother and her newborn is vital to improving the duration of breastfeeding as well. Even mothers that had to have a cesarean surgery reported being more focused on the baby during the first contact, which allowed them to overcome the stress of the operation and experience positive emotions (Crenshaw, 2014). Breastfeeding for these mothers can also be improved with immediate contact.
Conclusion
Positive effects of immediate contact involve both the mother and the baby. For newborns, these benefits include both physical and mental health improvements. When mothers see their newborns for the first time, they experience a range of strong emotions that help them form a strong bond. Mother-child relationships significantly improve if they are allowed to see each other right after birth. As the mother holds her baby, her body instinctively acts to protect the child. As the child grows, he or she can have a more stable relationship with the mother. Moreover, mothers form a positive perception of breastfeeding during the first hour of the skin-to-skin contact. It also impacts their health during breastfeeding. All in all, both mental and physical well-being of the mother can be improved if she is allowed to hold and look at her newborn immediately after birth.
References
Crenshaw, J. T. (2014). Healthy birth practice# 6: Keep mother and baby together Its best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 23(4), 211-217.
Redshaw, M., Hennegan, J., & Kruske, S. (2014). Holding the baby: Early mother-infant contact after childbirth and outcomes. Midwifery, 30(5), e177-e187.
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