Skin to skin question

Shine2015 · July 2015

I never did skin to skin with my first. Had never actually heard of it. Now that I am getting ready for my second to arrive I have done some research and understand there are several benefits. I keep getting hung up on the BF aspect/benefit though. I am sure its all in my head and it will be fine, but as a mom who is unable to BF due to meds I must remain on, I am having a hard time with the thought of skin to skin for some reason. Has anyone else done skin to skin and not breast fed? I guess I am just looking to see if there are others in the same boat and what their experiences were like.

GirlOnTheBeach · July 2015

I'm a FTM but I would say that it's still going to be great even if you don't breastfeed. The baby will still bond with you and it'll help regulate baby's temperature, heart rate, etc. I feel like it would be really comforting for your little one to have that time, especially right after leaving what has been its home for the last 9 months and coming into a strange new world.

sarahmu7 · July 2015

As a FTM I don't have any personal advice, but when I went to speak with the lactation consultant, she said that I was unable to do skin to skin for whatever reason, they would put the baby on my husband's chest until I was able to. This way, it still helps regulate the baby's temp. So I don't see why not breastfeeding should have anything to do with it.

EmJ628 · July 2015

My SIL also did not BF and she did tons of skin to skin time with both of hers. As PP's said, it has other benefits aside from breastfeeding.

banfrog · July 2015

My babies all came early due to complications and had some issues with regulating their temperatures. Skin to skin was advised and encouraged as much and as long as possible to help with that beyond just for bfing. My DH even did some skin to skin with each baby. They seemed to settle faster and easier too with skin to skin.

emmacake08 · July 2015

I can totally see why you'd wonder this. All LO wants in the world is to be as close to you as possible even if you aren't BF. They will synch their body temperature and breathing to you which is beneficial. With all the changes after birth, LO will be comforted by your skin and hearing your heartbeat. Now they may still try to wiggle their way to your breast since that's a natural instinct but I wouldn't let that stop you from bonding with baby.

hclzmm14 · July 2015

I say go for it! You definitely won't regret it.

jessandandy09 · July 2015

Good for you and the baby whether you breastfeed or not!

a Pic came through my facebook feed of a new born clinging to moms face while she was being stitched up from her C-section and I started bawling immediately! Babies need to be as close as possible to their momma's

joiead · July 2015

Skin to skin (kangaroo care) is awesome! It's better than a pacifier for my son. He'll lay there with his arms strecthed out and stare at me for a few minutes then he's knocked out. It makes baby feel safe and comforted. I plan to continue once he comes home but not 24/7 where he never wants to be put down.

SassetteSmurfling · July 2015

There are so many benefits to doing skin to skin! There is nothing wrong with doing skin to skin without breast feeding. Give it a try, if it doesn't feel right for you, there's no rule saying you have to do it forever. Baby will probably try to root around for a nipple, just redirect or give a paci or something else to suck on instead if that becomes a problem.

Cwhite6424 · July 2015

I too am on a medication that does not allow me to breastfeed and I plan on doing skin to skin right away. I understand your questioning it since you're not breastfeeding. But like other posters, there are so many benefits. My husband will also be doing it especially since he will be helping with feedings. I think it's important because of the bonding it invites

CarelessDiva89 · July 2015

So many benefits of doing skin to skin as previous pp's stated. It really is a wonderful bonding experience & doesn't mean you have to breastfeed.

Gl

kettlekitten · July 2015

Amazing story about the benefit of skin to skin contact with baby ****WARNING loss, infertility mentioned****

If you're feeling emotional, you --will-- cry, though there is a happy ending!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2992862/The-miracle-baby-born-three-months-early-written-doctors-brought-life-mother-s-touch-five-years-old-s-never-sick.html

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