What is skin to skin with your baby?

Place baby at your chest wearing only a diaper (no clothing, socks, or mittens). Mom should wear no clothing from the waist up. You can put a blanket around you or over baby’s back.  

It’s also great for partners to spend time with baby skin to skin!   

Benefits of skin to skin

Skin to skin can help:  

• Regulate baby's temperature, breathing and heart rate  
• Calm baby  
• You relax and bond with baby  
• Increase your milk supply  

You can be skin to skin with baby before, during, and after feeding. The benefits don’t wear off!   

How do I know when my baby’s hungry? 

Try to catch your baby’s feeding cues early – avoid crying – and begin breastfeeding early.  

Early hunger cues:  

• Waking up  
• Soft sounds  
• Mouthing (licking lips, sticking tongue out)  
• Rooting towards the breast (turning the head and opening the mouth)  
• Bringing hands to mouth  

Your baby does not have to cry to let you know they’re hungry. Crying is the last hunger cue!  

How do I get a good latch?

Find a comfortable position that works for you, and place baby skin to skin.  

Baby should be facing your body (tummy to tummy).  

Make sure to support baby's shoulders, neck, and body, holding baby in close to you.