The benefits of skin to skin seem almost endless, but here are some:

• Stabilizes the baby’s body temperature, blood sugar, respiratory rate, heart rate and more

• Helps with the initiation and maintenance (yes! I mean it helps your milk supply) of breastfeeding

• Increases maternal/paternal and infant bonding

• Decreases the risk of postpartum depression

• Decreases infant crying

• Helps the infants immune system

Fortunately, the benefits of skin to skin are so robust that the above list is no where near comprehensive of ALL of them. Some important thing to note:

• Skin to skin can be with the infant and anyone (mom, dad, etc.)

• It can *and should* continue once you’re home from the hospital

• Snuggle that baby as much as you can because they don’t stay young forever!