... to become familiar with each other (9.2) (16). Mothers should be supported in skin-to-skin contact with the baby as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding
Every mother should be encouraged to put her baby to the breast within the first hour to promote breastfeeding (9.34). All actions and interventions following the birth of the baby should be minimized to prevent "separation or disruption" of the bonding process (9.2).
The assessment of possible birth injuries should also not disrupt the bonding with the child (9.21). For any examination or treatment involving the child, it should be ensured that the parents are informed and have given their consent. Wherever possible, parents should be personally present at the examination or treatment of their child (9.35).

Foto: Alex Lichtmalerei
The first hours of a baby's life are fundamental and sustainably stabilizing. A secure relationship with the next of kin is significant for life. The challenge for babies is, in particular, to feel safe and secure in the new environment and to be able to gradually orient themselves. Feeling lost, lonely and abandoned creates feelings of existential threat.
Babies need tangible human closeness. This can be experienced through hearing, feeling, sensing, smelling, tasting, being held and physical warmth. The needs of children after cesarean section must be met in the same way. Even in the case of premature birth, the possibility of physically experiencing a bond with the mother/father plays an essential role for a mentally stable development.

Kangaroo care involves placing a newborn baby on the chest in skin-to-skin contact with the mother, father or even an older sibling for several hours each day. Ask about kangaroo care at the clinic if you and your child are affected by prematurity.
(16) These numbers refer to the location in the abbreviated version of the guideline "Vaginal Birth at Term."