Skin-to-skin contact All mothers and babies should have the opportunity to have skin-to-skin contact straight after birth. This will keep your baby close, warm and calm, and it will steady their breathing.

This can be a bonding experience for mum and baby. It's also a great time to start your first breastfeed because your baby will be alert and keen to feed. If you need any help, your nurse will offer support with positioning and attachment.

Your baby will be happier if you keep them near you and feed them whenever they’re hungry. This will remind your body to produce plenty of milk.

Skin-to-skin contact is good at any time. It will help to comfort you and your baby over the first few days and weeks as you get to know each other.

Skin-to-skin after a caesarean
If your baby is born by caesarean section, you should still be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after the birth. Some births involve complications that mean skin-to-skin may be delayed. If this happens, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to breastfeed your baby. Your skilled birth attendent will help you have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as it's possible.

Premature and ill babies
If your baby is in a neonatal unit in hospital after the birth, you'll probably be encouraged to try Kangaroo Care. This means that when your baby is ready, you can hold your baby against your skin regularly, usually under your clothes. This skin-to-skin contact helps you to bond with your premature baby, and it increases your milk supply.

More information
Go to What to expect in the first few days for more about getting breastfeeding started.