As a Lactation Consultant, new moms need to know that breastfeeding skin-to-skin for the first 2 weeks is almost as crucial as a proper latch. And yet, I always have to remind new mothers and nurses the importance of doing this, despite the research, numerous articles and educational sessions that they have had on the importance of doing this.
Even without the research, think about how much sense this makes. The human being is part of the animal kingdom. Thousands of years ago when we were descended from the primates, you didnt see the little baby apes all wrapped up in their baby gap outfits breastfeeding from their mothers teats!
We are the only animal species in the whole kingdom that has evolved to wear clothes, but in our natural state, we were meant to feed our offspring naked! Your babies need to smell, touch and feel you while they are breastfeeding. This arouses all their feeding instincts and encourages them to feed longer and better at each breastfeeding session.
Your long-term breast milk supply is established in the first two weeks! And while this may be way too technical, this is another reason why you need to feed skin-to-skin for the first two weeks! This means that you unwrap your baby down to their diaper and that you take off all your clothes from your waist up (remove your nursing bra and nightgown so your baby can feel your skin as well).
And do NOT cover your baby with a blanket to keep him/her warm during the feed. I promise you that your baby will quickly fall asleep at your breast and we dont eat when we are sleeping! I also promise you that your baby will not chill at your breast. Your body temperature will keep your baby warm.
Bon appetit!
Wendy Goodman, RN, MEd, IBCLC
