Those first few weeks with a new baby can feel like a blur of feedings, diaper changes, and figuring out what your little one needs moment to moment. If you are hoping to breastfeed and worried it will not come naturally, take a breath. One of the simplest, most powerful things you can do also happens to be one of the coziest: holding your baby skin-to-skin. This post walks through why that closeness matters so much for feeding, how to do it, and what to expect along the way.
Skin-to-Skin at a Glance
Skin-to-skin contact, sometimes called kangaroo care, simply means placing your baby (wearing just a diaper and maybe a hat) directly on your bare chest, with a blanket over both of you for warmth. Here is what the research consistently shows it does:
Supports latching: When your baby is nestled on your chest, they are close to the breast, can smell your milk, and are more likely to root and latch on their own. Boosts your milk-making hormones: Closeness triggers oxytocin, the hormone behind letdown, and helps support your overall supply. Steadies your baby: It helps regulate their temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar. Calms you both: That same oxytocin release eases stress and supports bonding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfeeding babies spend time skin-to-skin right after birth, and the practice is endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine as well.
Why Skin-to-Skin Makes Breastfeeding Easier
It helps to understand what is happening under the surface during those quiet cuddles.
When your baby lies against your skin, their instincts take over. Many newborns placed on their mother's chest will actually inch toward the breast, open wide, and latch with very little help. This is your baby doing what they are wired to do, and being close makes it possible. At the same time, the physical contact prompts your body to release prolactin and oxytocin, the two hormones most responsible for making and releasing milk. Prolactin drives milk production, while oxytocin governs the letdown reflex that gets milk flowing. So the snuggling is doing double duty: it invites your baby to feed and it primes your body to respond.
Why this matters: in the early days, milk supply works on a supply-and-demand system. The more your baby latches and removes milk, the more your body makes. Skin-to-skin encourages frequent, effective feeding, which sets up a healthy supply from the start. If you are still learning your baby's rhythms, you can find more feeding guidance in Storkpump's Learning Center.
How to Practice Skin-to-Skin (and When)
The beauty of skin-to-skin is that there is no complicated technique to master. Wear a shirt or robe that opens down the front, settle into a semi-reclined position, and place your diapered baby chest-to-chest with you, with their head turned to the side so they can breathe easily. Cover their back with a light blanket.
Right after birth is the classic window, often called the golden hour, and it works even after a cesarean birth. But this is not a one-time opportunity. You can return to skin-to-skin in the days and weeks that follow, and it is just as helpful then. If you run into a rough patch (a sleepy baby, a shallow latch, a fussy evening) going back to your baby's chest is a wonderful reset. One normalizing note worth holding onto: not every baby latches perfectly the first time, and that is completely normal. Skin-to-skin gives you both room to practice without pressure.
Why It Matters for the Long Haul
Getting breastfeeding off to a strong start protects your baby's nutrition and immune support while giving you confidence in your body and your instincts. Studies have found that parents who have plenty of early skin-to-skin contact are more likely to still be breastfeeding when they leave the hospital and to continue for longer. It is a small, low-cost, deeply human practice with an outsized payoff. At Storkpump, supporting that early foundation (whether you nurse, pump, or do both) is at the heart of what we do, and you can learn more about us and our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin-to-Skin and Breastfeeding
How long should I do skin-to-skin each day?
There is no strict rule, and more is generally better in the early weeks. Aim for as much as feels good for both of you, and know that even short sessions of a few minutes offer real benefits. Many families continue skin-to-skin for weeks or months, using it for feeding, soothing, and connection.
Can I do skin-to-skin if I had a C-section?
Yes. Skin-to-skin can begin during or shortly after a cesarean birth in most cases, and a partner can also hold the baby skin-to-skin if you need a little time to recover. It works just as well later on, so if the timing was not ideal right after delivery, you have not missed your chance.
Does skin-to-skin really help my milk supply?
It can. The contact helps trigger the hormones that support milk production and letdown, and it encourages frequent, effective feeding, which is what tells your body to keep making milk. Some parents who pump find they express more milk after a skin-to-skin session.
Is skin-to-skin only for newborns?
Not at all. While it is especially emphasized right after birth, skin-to-skin remains soothing and beneficial well into the early months. It is a great tool for comforting a sick or upset baby and for easing back into breastfeeding after any bumps in the road.
Can partners do skin-to-skin too?
Absolutely. Partners can hold the baby skin-to-skin to support bonding, help regulate the baby's temperature and breathing, and share in those precious early moments. It is a lovely way for the whole family to connect.
Share With Your Care Team
If this was helpful, pass it along to your partner, your family, or anyone who will be caring for your baby, since everyone benefits from understanding why those chest cuddles matter. And when you are ready to think about pumping alongside nursing, Storkpump can help you order a breast pump through insurance with little to no out-of-pocket cost. Have questions about eligibility or getting started? Our FAQ page covers the basics, and if you are exploring which pumps are fully covered, you can browse pumps covered by Medicaid as well. For a deeper dive into the evidence, the AAP's parent resource on skin-to-skin care is a trustworthy place to start.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Skin-to-skin contact: how kangaroo care benefits your baby. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Pages/About-Skin-to-Skin-Care.aspx
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. (2021). ABM clinical protocols. Breastfeeding Medicine. https://www.bfmed.org/protocols
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
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