Caesarean Awareness Month had me thinking
about the importance of touch, how important skin to skin contact is for
newborns and human contact altogether. As a chiropractor I respect and honour the value of
touch. It is through touch that I
deliver an adjustment, connect with people and become part of the healing
process. It is one of the best
parts of my job.
Skin to skin contact after birth is no
longer a midwifery idea. It is now
practiced and encouraged by many doctors and in most hospitals around the
world. There are a multitude of
studies over the last decade that have shown the benefit of this immediate human
contact on newborns. Effects
include lowered blood pressure, stabilized body temperature, increased blood
sugar levels, proper bacteria colonization and improved breast feeding latch. For mothers, touch has been shown to
decrease the amount and time of bleeding and increase after birth uterus
contractions.
At just 8 weeks, touch
is the first sense to develop in the womb. It is also the last sense to leave us in old age and is, in
my opinion, essential to the wellbeing of the human spirit. Touch benefits people of all ages. It can instantly boost oxytocin and
serotonin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation and anger and touch
elevates our mood and creates a feeling of happiness. From the time we are born, our family's
touch shows us that we are loved and special. Touch can reassure, relax and comfort. It increases our immunity, reduces
depression, anxiety, stress and physical pain and of course touch heals.
For more info on skin to skin contact check
out:
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