I'm so honored to be posting these, I cannot believe they are in my blog editor. These amazing photographs where taken by Alex Firmani of Shot in Vancouver Photography, at St. Paul's Hospital here in Vancouver. This project was made possible by some willing families, to help encourage skin-to-skin contact after birth with their babies. They will remain up in St. Paul's maternity ward permanently. 

There is (often) some misconception around skin-to-skin, blankets are put between baby and mother (or other warm body) or delayed to be 'cleaned' first. Skin-to-skin contact is vital for regulating the babies body temperature, in aiding early and successful breastfeeding, to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, keeps blood sugars higher, encourages bonding and much more (1). It is said that skin-to-skin should happen directly after birth for at least one hour, all newborn procedures should be delayed or preformed directly on the mothers body. Baby may initiate breastfeeding during this time, and it should be gently encouraged by the mother. 

Skin-to-Skin isn't just for the first hour, or just for pre-mature or low birth weight babies. Skin-to-skin benefits all babies, and should be present at all early breastfeeding attempts at minimum. In my opinion, baby shouldn't be dressed for at least the first week, as a constant reminder to be in constant contact with another body, with a blanket over top you both. 

Slow down, enjoy the tender feeling of baby's super soft baby skin. Communicate through touch. 

I hope you enjoy this stunning set, please go check out Alex's work at www.shotinvancouver.com and follow him on Twitter @ShotInVancouver. 

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/jack_newman2.html