The following points compare the differences between babies that are swaddled and babies that are given KMC: It is thought that a baby who is swaddled will arouse less and sleep longer.
That may sound good, but in the early hours and days after birth this can lead to less breastfeeding and hence less weight gain, which is associated with greater weight loss, more jaundice, and a delay in milk production.
In comparison, babies that are given KMC feed and put on weight faster than those who are not.
Did you know that swaddling delays the first breastfeeding of your baby and leads to less effective latching and suckling? In one particular study of 21 babies after a vaginal birth researchers divided the babies into two groups.
One group was laid skin-to-skin on the moms body, examined and then returned to skin-to-skin contact with the mom for two hours.
In the other group, the baby was shown to the mother, examined, and swaddled with hands free and then returned to mother.
What was found was that the swaddled group of babies showed delayed feeding behaviors, suckled less competently at their first breastfeeding, and established effective breastfeeding later.
This is all the more evidence for Kangaroo Mother Care.
When swaddling is added to other stressors that a newborn particularly a preemie baby may be experiencing, it appears to make the effects of the stressor even worse.
One study compared outcomes among 176 mothers and babies, who were divided into 4 groups:.
These groups were individually: 1.
Kept in skin-to-skin contact with mother for 30 to 120 minutes after birth 2.
Held in mother's arms wearing clothes 3.
Separated from mother at birth and returned to her after two hours 4.
Taken to the hospital nursery at birth and returned to mother for breastfeeding seven times each day at regular intervals.
In each group, some babies were swaddled and some wore clothes.
The researchers reported that skin-to-skin contact and KMC reduced "the stress of being born" and found the babies kept skin-to-skin after birth had the highest body temperatures.
This is one of the many benefits of KMC as it helps babies to maintain the right temperature for them.
Swaddled babies separated during their first two hours lost more weight and this has been confirmed a number of times.
Among the babies in Group 3 above, the swaddled babies had a significantly greater weight loss on their third and fifth days.
This can be attributed to the fact that babies that are given KMC feed more often and gain more weight.
Swaddled babies kept in the nursery were colder having lower body temperatures and consumed less breastmilk.
Among the babies in Group 4 above, those who were swaddled had the lowest foot temperature of any of the babies in any of the study groups.
Newborns who were both separated and swaddled consumed less mother's milk overall than those who were separated but not swaddled.
Their mothers also produced less milk on the fourth day and they had a shorter duration of breastfeeding overall.
Another known and proven fact about KMC.
Swaddled babies in the nursery lost more weight despite consuming more formula.
Possible reasons for this that the researchers suggested include: ? Severely limiting baby's movements is stressful, which in turn burns more calories up in the baby.
? Swaddled babies receive less touch, which can clearly compromise growth in preterm babies.
If there are reasons to be concerned about your newborn's temperature, a more effective way for you other than swaddling or using an infant warmer is to keep your baby on your body, placing a blanket over both you and your and baby.
Remember too, if you as a mom cannot give this to your baby, then a partner or another family member will suffice.
They are an excellent second choice.
But have you ever though about after hospital discharge? Is there any reason to avoid swaddling after a baby is breastfeeding? The answer to this question lies in the facts that whilst swaddling may be useful on occasions, routine swaddling during the first months is associated with greater risk of: ? Respiratory illness ? Hip dysplasia ? SIDS in prone sleeping positions ? Overheating Evidence also shows that a baby;s hand movements aid them in finding a moms breast and latching.
Swaddling during breastfeeding will restrict your baby's hands which may contribute to any breastfeeding problems that a new mom may be having.
After reviewing the research about swaddling versus KMC it is clear that KMC is far more beneficial for a newborn baby.
In most cases a mother's body is her newborn's best "incubator.
" So if your baby gets fussy and is seeking your loving touch, consider limiting swaddling and consider the alternative, such as skin-to-skin through KMC contact and baby carriers.