Mother-Child Bonding : The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact

Mother-Child Bonding : The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact
Date posted:  10-05-2025

Did you ever imagine what your baby feels in those very first moments outside the womb? A newborn enters a world that is drastically different from the womb. A world that is bright, cold, and loud, unlike the peaceful quiet of the womb. Could a mother’s touch be the most powerful gift we offer during this overwhelming transition? 

Yes, at birth, one of the most powerful and natural comforts is skin-to-skin contact with the mother. This early interaction sets the foundation for a deep, lasting bond between the mother and child. In this blog, we will explore Mother-Child Bonding: The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact, aka Kangaroo Mother Care. 

What is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?

KMC is a practice that involves placing the naked baby directly on the mother's bare chest. While it may appear simple, skin-to-skin contact offers a wealth of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits for both mother and child.

What are the Types of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?

  • Continuous KMC

  • Intermittent KMC 

What are the Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care?

The advantages of kangaroo mother care are seamless. Below are some of the benefits mentioned.

Benefits for the Baby

  • Thermal Regulation

  • Improves Heart Rate & Breathing

  • Better Weight Gain

  • Enhances Brain Development

  • Stronger Immunity

  • Reduces Stress and Crying

  • Improves Breastfeeding

  • Lower Risk of Mortality

Benefits for the Mother

  • Stronger Bonding

  • Increases Milk Production

  • Faster Recovery

  • Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression

  • Greater Confidence in Caring for Baby

What is the Duration of Kangaroo Mother Care?

KMC is a practical care technique for preterm and low-birth-weight babies. It is encouraged until the baby reaches a stable weight (around 2,500 grams) and is able to regulate temperature independently. For low-birth-weight or preterm infants, it can go for 24 hours a day as much as possible. For more stable babies, 1 to 3 hours per session can be repeated 2 to 4 times a day.

What is a Kangaroo Mother Care Procedure?

  • Prepare a warm, clean, quiet space.

  • Prepare the Baby.

  • Place the Baby upright on the mother’s bare chest, between the breasts.

  • Secure the baby using a wrap or specially designed KMC shirt to hold the baby against the mother.

  • Offer breastfeeding and care.

  • Monitor the Baby and watch for any signs of discomfort, distress, or illness.

What is Kangaroo Mother Care's Purpose??

The “golden hour” immediately after birth is important, and skin-to-skin contact continues to be beneficial in the days that follow. Integrating this practice into daily routines can further enhance the mother-child connection and promote emotional security. It can be performed after a bath or during naps.

Fathers and other caregivers can also participate. When they engage in skin-to-skin time, they, too, form a strong emotional connection with the baby. This helps to foster a supportive family atmosphere among family members.

Importance of Kangaroo Mother Care Health Education

Hospitals and birthing centres are increasingly recognizing the value of kangaroo care. At Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla, we implement practices that support early and continued skin-to-skin opportunities. 

KMC is a vital component of the neonatology department of Believers Hospital. We give much importance to Kangaroo mother care health education as well. Our goal is to educate mothers on how to practice KMC and make them understand its benefits safely.

In cases of cesarean deliveries or when medical complications arise, skin-to-skin mother-baby contact may not be possible immediately after. However, even delayed contact can still offer many of the same benefits.

Key Findings of Kangaroo Mother Care Research

KMC Research continues to show that this simple, low-cost intervention significantly improves survival, health, and development outcomes for preterm and low-birth-weight infants. 

Here are the key findings from major studies:

  • Reduced Neonatal Mortality

  • Thermal Regulation and Physiological Stability

  • Cognitive and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

  • Improved Breastfeeding Rates

  • Faster Weight Gain and Growth

  • Maternal Mental Health and Bonding

  • Cost-Effective and Scalable

By prioritizing touch and closeness in the early days, mothers and babies begin a journey of trust, love, and connection. That can lay the groundwork for lifelong emotional health.

Expert care: Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla

Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH) in Thiruvalla showed proven excellence in neonatal care. We distinguish ourselves by adopting a compassionate approach to healing. 

At Believers' Hospital, we know the value of mother-child bonding well. Skin-to-skin contact reminds us of the power of simplicity in care.

Building a close bond with your baby is a natural and powerful way to support them during important times in life.

Our expert team of doctors and world-class facilities are here to support you every step, from delivery to newborn care and beyond. If you're caring for a newborn, schedule a consultation today to discover how our advanced neonatal and maternal care can support you.


 

Other Health Blogs