this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2024
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Facepalm

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Anything that makes you apply your hand to your face.

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[–] [email protected] 169 points 3 months ago (5 children)

This is called skin to skin and when my kid was born the staff was telling me to do it, supposedly had a bunch of benefits for the baby and it gives them some time to take care of mom. What I can tell you is it felt amazing.

[–] Crackhappy 115 points 3 months ago (2 children)

As a dad to four kids, skin to skin is absolutely essential to a life long bond and making your children feel comfortable and loved. Fuck this sexist bullshit.

[–] bluemellophone 21 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Yep, dad to three kids. I can’t imagine not having newborn snuggles. In many ways it is 100% beneficial for the baby. When babies snuggle close to a chest, it is often a signal to eat. Sometimes they can get frustrated when mom does it 1) when they don’t want to eat but are being smooshed into a boob that smells like breast milk or 2) when they want to eat but mom doesn’t want to or can’t feed at that moment. Snuggling with dad or a second caregiver is a great alternative.

The most peaceful sleep my kids tend to have is after being fed then baked nicely under a blanket on my warm chest.

Dad’s deserve bonding time too

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Started a new job, but 4 days before my wife got flown to our area's leading hospital due to complications with the pregnancy. So day 4 rolls around and I'm literally ~5000ft underground, no cell signal, get back to surface and check phone ASAP. 4th child,1st daughter, born 3 months premature hours earlier. First chance I got I drove the 8 hours to see them and within minutes of arriving it was skin on skin with this smolly. She was heckin early but healthy. Every opportunity I got, I'd drive down for snugs. It was around her OG expected due date before we could bring her home. Almost 2 years later and we're besties.

[–] [email protected] 67 points 3 months ago (1 children)

supposedly had a bunch of benefits for the baby

Yep!

Helps them regulate their breathing rhythm and their body temperature. Likely transfers beneficial skin bacteria.

And it makes them feel safe.

[–] The_v 33 points 3 months ago

More importantly, it helps them go to sleep easier, deeper, and longer.

Strip the kid down to their diaper, lose your shirt, lay back on the couch watching a movie or reading a book with a light blanket over both of you.

That pretty much describes my evening after dinner when my boys were under 6 months old. If you do it right after they eat it's pretty much a guaranteed 3-4 hours of peace even with a newborn.

[–] [email protected] 37 points 3 months ago

Agreed, I did the same, it's highly encouraged now. Frankly the thought that others might find it strange didn't even cross my mind, but wouldn't have discouraged me in the slightest.

[–] [email protected] 27 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I did it too, my little guy pooped all over my chest lol. Totally worth it.

[–] [email protected] 30 points 3 months ago

Ah, yes, the ole 2 way bacteria transfer.

[–] radicalautonomy 11 points 3 months ago (1 children)
[–] then_three_more 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Fuck sake America. Though strangely that's a lot less than I thought they'd have charged you.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Soon they'll have you breathe low O² air and charge extra to open the ventilation system in that room to circulate the good air. If there's a window it'll have no way to open it at all, for safety reasons. Not even a small slit.