<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Introduction:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact is a modern technique used in the care of postpartum mothers and newborns, where the baby is placed on the mother&#39;s chest shortly after birth, allowing their skin to touch. This practice has a long history but has gained significant attention and scientific evidence for its health benefits to both the baby and the mother in recent years.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">In this article, we will discuss the various health benefits of skin-to-skin contact for the baby and the postpartum mother.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>1- Regulating Body Temperature:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby helps regulate the baby&#39;s body temperature, as the mother&#39;s body temperature adapts to the baby&#39;s and helps maintain a stable temperature.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>2- Improving Emotional Communication:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact enhances emotional communication between the mother and the baby. The baby can better respond to the mother&#39;s movements and sounds, which helps strengthen the emotional bond and activates the maternal instinct.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>3- Strengthening the Immune System:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact boosts the baby&#39;s immune system. The natural bacteria on the mother&#39;s skin aid in enhancing the baby&#39;s immune system, reducing the risk of infections.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>4- Regulating Baby&#39;s Breathing:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby&#39;s breathing and heart rate, enabling them to adapt to life outside the womb more effectively.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>5- Facilitating Breastfeeding:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact facilitates and familiarizes the baby with the breast for breastfeeding, increasing the baby&#39;s desire to feed and stimulating the digestive process.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">For the mother, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding lead to the release of hormones that aid in uterine contractions and milk duct activation, increasing the amount of milk the baby receives. It also results in a sense of happiness, balance, and reduced postpartum depression.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>6- Improving Sleep:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby can improve the baby&#39;s sleep as they feel secure and comfortable when close to their mother.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>7- Reducing Stress:</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact reduces stress levels for both the mother and the baby. It stimulates the release of hormones associated with satisfaction and relaxation in both bodies, improving their mental and emotional well-being.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>How Long Should Skin-to-Skin Contact Last?</strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Skin-to-skin contact should begin immediately after birth for babies delivered vaginally (sometimes even before cleaning the baby) and ideally continue for at least one uninterrupted hour to maximize the benefits.</span></span></span></p>

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<p><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000">Furthermore, skin-to-skin contact should continue until the baby finishes their first natural breastfeeding and should be practiced daily for at least 20-30 minutes in the weeks following birth.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>In conclusion,</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><span style="color:#000000"> skin-to-skin contact is an effective and cost-free technique for caring for postpartum mothers and newborns. It significantly improves the overall health of the baby and the mother and strengthens their emotional bond.</span></span></span></p>

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