Skin-to-skin

Providing everything is fine with you and your baby, you will be encouraged to hold her immediately after she is born. Cuddle her close without anything between you.

Above all, enjoy these precious moments. You’re finally meeting your baby.

Getting to know each other

This close contact helps your baby stay warm. She’ll be hearing your heartbeat as she did in the womb, her circulation will be better and she’s less likely to cry. What’s more, skin-to-skin contact has been shown to help get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Skin-to-skin with you is best until your baby has had a good first feed, but if you are unwell the next best thing is for your baby to have skin-to-skin contact with your partner.

Welcome your baby into the world by talking to her- your voice will be familiar. This will help to reassure your baby in this strange new world