Katie Crank using the Joeyband to practice skin-to-skin directly after a C-section
Skin-to-skin sounds like a pretty simple practice in theory, but for the 21% of parents delivering their babies via C-section, it can become a source of anxiety. During surgery and in the weeks following, parents may experience muscle weakness and drowsiness, which makes practicing skin-to-skin a little more difficult compared to those who have delivered their babies vaginally.
The arrival of the Joeyband™ has helped to mitigate any risk associated with post C-section skin-to-skin. Using our patented design, babies can now be secured to their moms directly on the operating table immediately after birth. They can also safely stay together through repair, transport and into recovery.
Here are some of the ways the Joeyband™ supports C-section parent and baby bonding.
It Lets Mom and Baby Snuggle Safely During the ‘Golden Hour’
A lot of important bonding between parent and baby takes place in the period immediately after birth - or what is known as the ‘Golden Hour’.
Studies show that skin-to-skin contact right after delivery causes the brain to release a hormone called beta-endorphin. This works like a mild painkiller, helping moms feel calmer and more relaxed. Oxytocin is also released, the brain’s “feel-good” hormone that promotes bonding.
The Joeyband Supports Breastfeeding Development
Studies and research (like this Stanford one) have shown that babies who maintain skin-to-skin contact with their mothers during the Golden Hour period are more likely to latch on to the breast. Read our blog, How Skin-to-Skin Supports Breastfeeding to learn more!
The Joeyband can also support breastfeeding at home, to provide extra support while mom is still recovering from surgery.
Skin-to-Skin Contact Supports Baby’s Immune System
One of the reasons skin-to-skin contact is so important directly after birth is because it allows the baby’s body to be “colonized” by the same bacteria as their mother.
Acting as a natural incubator, having mom’s warmth from skin-to-skin contact also enables babies to stabilize their body temperature and regulate their breathing. If a baby is placed in an actual incubator (rather than their mother’s body) their skin and gut are often colonized by bacteria different from their mother’s, which can result in a weaker immune system.
Are you expecting a baby, or maybe you have a newborn? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to our newsletter for our latest news and updates, or for more useful, baby-handling knowledge from our experienced Joeyband™ team.