Skin on skin contact for a newborn baby is a crucial part of birth. This photo of a young boy helping his father provide these precious moments for a set of twins shortly after birth has gone completely viral. The image shows a topless young boy holding his baby sibling along with his father that is doing the same, the two are wrapped in bedding to help keep the newly welcomed twins warm. These tiny babies were gracefully welcomed into the world at Hvidover Hospital located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The image was originally posted by Neuroscience for Improved Neonatal Outcomes Organization, better known as NINO Birth.
NINO Birth is a South African based company that specializes in the connection between newborns and their mother.
This birthing organization is a very large advocate for skin-on-skin contact with newborn children.
They focus their research on the connection of the nervous system between newborns and their parents.
Studies show that one hour of undisturbed skin-on-skin contact with a newborn baby is extremely beneficial due to this unique connection.
Babies that have had one hour of skin-on-skin contact report gaining weight faster, breathing better, and having improved body temperature regulation.
If the mother provides this skin on skin contact, it is usually the first time that a baby will have its first breast-feeding.
Though less important than the actual skin on skin contact itself, this first breast feed develops a deeper connection of the baby and its mother.
NINO birth says that the result of this “golden hour” is an “empowering change” in the mother and babies brain.
The baby and family members brains are synchronized in this ideal beginning.
This type of bonding will lead to a secure familial attachment and improved lifelong health.
In the comments of the original post, many recount their memories of skin-on-skin contact with their newborn children.
And some tell what it is like not being granted the opportunity to have this experience.
These initial moments of a babies welcoming into the world is truly a heart warming experience.
Thankfully for this willing young boy, both babies were able to receive the connection they benefit so greatly from.
More info: Nino Birth
The newborn babies pictured here are very fortunate to receive skin-on-skin contact in the initial moments after birth. Giving birth can be a painful and enduring process for a mother and can be traumatic for the child as well. The duration of this skin-on-skin contact enables the newborn to relax, stabilizing their vitals in a way that is not replaceable by machine. Thankfully this young boy was willing and able to help his father grace these children with such an experience.