I have been following the thread on weight loss and also on separation of
mother and baby and how skin-to-skin could reduce breastfeeding problems
even with drugged babies.  I have re-read Susan Ludington's notes notes
from a conference last year and just wanted to quote some of her info.

She states that STS:

-conserves energy ans O2 for growth and birth recovery

-flexion promotes neuromuscular maturation

-reduces transepidermal water loss(TEWL)- 2nd to increased ambient humidity
(>50% in Kangaroo care) and 2nd to increased sleep (TEWL is higher in quiet
awake than sleep. Reduced TEWL improves immune status of skin, conserves
energy, keeps skin smooth and flexible.

-releases neuropeptides, cholecystokinin and opioids that stimulate limbic
brain, digestive processes.

Too name a few!!

This reinforced in my mind that STS (especially continuous) can help baby
focus on what it needs to like feeding and growing instead of things like
trying to keep warm, dealing with stress hormones, separation anxiety, and
energy loss for unecessary reasons.  It is kind of like energy efficient
windows and insulation for our homes.  If our home is not insulated then
the heater would have to run much more than normal which is a complete
waste and most of the energy used would just go to the outside world and be
lost.  Sort of like a baby that does not have high quality insulation
(mother)!!  It is no wonder our babies lose extra weight and have problems
breastfeeding.

I can't wait to hear Dr. Nils Bergman speak at the ILCA conference in July!

Christine Lichte, IBCLC LLL Leader

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