Skin-to-skin contact helps to naturally treat postpartum depression

My motto is: "Skin is emotion." Not only because for example breakouts or stretch marks can make you feel insecure, but also because the touch of the skin from your loved ones can make you feel happy and feel secure. That's why taking good care of your skin is so important. It's more than just looking good. 

For many women, motherhood can be overwhelming. The new responsibilities coupled with hormonal changes can be especially hard on first-time mothers. Baby’s birth involves a few hundred — no, thousand — feelings for mom! You’re in love, all over again, with a tiny baby you’ve been growing inside of you; you’re nervous; you’re suddenly aware that life is just more than sleeping in on Saturdays and a good manicure. But for some moms, baby’s birth also brings with it tons of feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness.

Moms who experience the baby blues aren’t alone. So many other mothers are experiencing it too, and studies show that that postpartum depression in mothers six weeks after delivery is on the rise. In this blog you can read about a simple natural remedy for feeling down: skin-to-skin contact with your newborn.

According to a study of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecological, and Neonatal Nursing, skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother may be an alternative therapy moms can try. Holding your unclothed newborn on your bare chest increases the feeling of bonding and attachment, reduce symptoms of depression and physiological stress in the postpartum period. For mothers who choose to breastfeed, earlier and longer sessions of skin-to-skin contact support exclusive and extended breastfeeding.

During the study, researchers found that moms who provided six hours of skin-to-skin contact in the first week, followed by at least two hours over the course of the next month, reported fewer symptoms of depression. Saliva samples taken from these mothers also recorded lower cortisol levels than mother who did not have skin-to-skin contact with baby.

Another relevant study by the journal Pediatrics found that skin-to-skin contact for even three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43%. The surprising percentage significantly reduces stress for a first time or new mom who is unsure of the best ways to soothe baby. Skin-to-skin also release oxytocin in mom, which helps mom and infant attachment and, well-being and relaxation.

Now you know what to do: cuddle, cuddle, cuddle with your newborn. That's not to bad right? And keep your skin nice and smooth by taking extra good care of it so your baby can enjoy your bare chest even more.