Q&A: Can Skin-on-skin Contact Help My Baby Nurse Better?

Yes. The mother’s hormonal changes increase her milk production. Whena mother has more milk, her baby drinks better than if she has less milk. When the baby is skin to skin with the mother he will often latch on on his own and that latch is often much better than if he is put to the breast by the mother. Abetter latch means the mother is less likely to get sore and the baby is more likelyto get milk better — all of which make breastfeeding easier. The mother also tends to “fall in love” with her baby more easily with skin-to-skin contact, so the more the better. This may help “keep her going” if breastfeeding is difficult, as it sometimes is.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.