What is an effective strategy to promote bonding between mother and newborn?

Facilitating skin-to-skin contact is a highly effective strategy to promote bonding between a mother and her newborn. This practice, also known as kangaroo care, involves placing the baby directly on the mother’s bare chest. It serves several important purposes:

1. Physiological Stability: Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the newborn's body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. The close proximity helps both the mother and baby adapt to each other's rhythms and needs.

2. Hormonal Benefits: The physical closeness encourages the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone." This hormone plays a significant role in mother-infant attachment, promoting feelings of love and nurturing.

3. Enhanced Breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact facilitates early breastfeeding initiation and improves breastfeeding rates. It encourages the baby to breastfeed more effectively, which can enhance the mother's confidence and promote a successful breastfeeding relationship.

4. Emotional Connection: The intimate experience of holding the newborn skin-to-skin fosters emotional bonding. It allows mothers to better recognize their baby's cues and develop a sense of attunement and connection.

Overall, engaging in skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth can support not