Life is made up of attachments. Many psychological problems stem either from insecure attachment or the inability to regulate the degree of attachment. When we enter a new environment, what is the first thing we look at? Think about it.

We scan to see if there is a familiar face, right? And when we make eye contact with someone we know, we feel good. Or who doesn't feel good when touched by someone who gives them a sense of trust?

Babies come equipped as if loaded with a program. When a baby looks into their mother's eyes and eye contact is made, the eyes lock and endorphins are released mutually.

Endorphins are addictive. When the baby is with the mother, excitement flows to the mother, and the baby's hormonal axis activates, making the baby feel safe.

For this reason, skin-to-skin contact and secure attachment are very important. In the first minutes after birth, unless necessary, intervention to the baby and mother should be avoided. Secure attachment should be supported immediately after birth with skin-to-skin contact.

There are three points of contact in attachment: skin, eye, and voice. The baby is given to the mother's arms before the umbilical cord is cut. The baby and mother make eye contact, the mother says, "Welcome my dear, we love you very much," and thus the three points of contact in attachment are established within minutes. The first steps of secure attachment are taken. Babies start life a step ahead.

In the first three months after birth, the baby perceives the mother as an extension of itself. Not seeing the mother causes fear in the baby. These processes also shape the baby's character. In the following months, when the mother observes the baby, she will notice the baby's gradual efforts to separate from her.

How is the first contact established?

After the baby is born, but before the umbilical cord is cut, the baby's bare skin is placed on the mother's bare skin and covered with a towel to establish skin-to-skin contact. The goal is for the mother and baby to stay together as long as possible. The World Health Organization recommends this duration to be 60-90 minutes. During this time, contact with the mother is very important for calming and feeling safe.

Is skin-to-skin contact only for vaginal births?

Skin-to-skin contact should also be done in cesarean births. It is very important for secure attachment in all types of delivery. Since 2003, the WHO has recommended skin-to-skin contact for newborns. If the mother is not suitable due to health reasons, the father should have the first contact with the baby.

Advantages of skin-to-skin contact

• Skin-to-skin contact improves the baby's breathing, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps the baby maintain body temperature. Because stress hormones will be low, this contact should be established immediately after birth.
• Skin-to-skin contact is also very important for the mother. It stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This hormone promotes relaxation, bonding with the baby, and motivation for caregiving.
• Oxytocin also causes uterine contractions, reducing postpartum bleeding. Additionally, it is the main hormone for breastfeeding, helping breastfeeding to occur faster.
• Structurally and functionally, it greatly contributes to the baby's brain development.