The first few hours after delivery are important for forming an emotional attachment with your baby. You start to get to know each other.
Direct skin-to-skin contact supports the bonding process and ensures that your baby has the best possible conditions to help start breastfeeding and encourage their instinct to feed.
As soon as your baby is born, place them directly on your bare chest face down. Your baby will be guided by their sense of touch and smell, as well as your voice, to look and move their head to find your nipple, latch on and start suckling. This reaction is known as the rooting reflex.
Body language is the first form of communication that your newborn understands and they have an immeasurable need for it. Breastfeeding encourages your baby’s awareness of this language and uses all of their senses. Your body’s warmth and how it feels, smells and sounds ultimately reminds your baby of being in the womb. These sensations make them feel safe and help to build their confidence and independence over the next few months.
Breastfeeding is more than just milk for your baby; it is about enjoying comforting sensations and feeling soothed and relaxed.
The maternity team at Hôpital de La Tour