Babies only require small amounts of colostrum (2-10 ml) per feed in the first 48 hours as they are in a conservation or ‘hibernation’ state.

The colostrum that babies drink in the first few days contains substances that make them sleepy and this sleepiness conserves energy.

Babies have a special type of fat around their neck, shoulders, liver and kidneys which provides the extra energy needs for temperature control.

Skin to skin contact also known world wide as ‘Kangaroo Care’ is when the baby is placed on the mother unclothed against her bare chest. It also can be provided by the father in situations such as after a caesarean delivery.

Research has shown that the separation of the mother and the baby after birth interferes with breastfeeding and bonding.

Skin to skin contact helps babies to regulate body temperature, breathing and heart rate faster than warmers and incubators.

Babies are often alert and responsive in the first hour after birth which makes it the perfect time for the first breastfeed.

A healthy term baby after a normal birth if left skin to skin on his mother’s abdomen will gradually crawl to the breast, find the nipple, attach and suckle unaided, usually within 70-90 min.