How does skin-to-skin contact benefit newborns after birth?

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, provides multiple benefits to newborns following birth, with one of the most significant being its role in regulating the baby's body temperature. When a newborn is placed directly on the mother's chest, the mother's body heat helps warm the infant, which is crucial in preventing hypothermia and promoting thermoregulation.

Additionally, skin-to-skin contact fosters an immediate bonding experience between the parent and the baby. This close physical proximity encourages the release of hormones, like oxytocin, which facilitate attachment and can positively impact the emotional well-being of both the mother and the newborn. The physical closeness also promotes a nurturing environment that can enhance breastfeeding initiation and success, as the baby's natural feeding instincts are stimulated in this relaxed and secure setting.

While skin-to-skin contact can help minimize crying through comfort and security, the primary benefits lie in temperature regulation and strengthening emotional bonds between parent and child, making it a foundational practice in immediate postnatal care. This is why option B accurately captures the essence of the advantages associated with skin-to-skin contact.