Oxytocin and Skin to Skin Contact: The Power of Touch During Breastfeeding
We sense the world as threatening or pleasant through our skin. Sensations such as warmth, heat, cold, intense or dim light, gentle or aggressive touch can both stimulate and inhibit our autonomic nervous system and oxytocinergic system. When the baby is in skin-to-skin contact with his mother, he moves his little hands to "massage" his mother's chest, thus generating oxytocin pulses (Uvnas-Moberg 2003). The moderate pressure contact exerted by the baby's body on the mother's body generates a tactile stimulus that triggers a strong associated vagal response of calm and wellness.
More and more research is being added in relation to the power of touch in the release of oxytocin and the stimulation of the vagal system. This presentation will look at how touch, the mother of senses, provides mother and baby the input to the oxytocinergic system playing an integral role in the biological-behavioral regulation of lactation. As care providers, learning how to nuture these encouters between parent and baby and teach about why it is so important will help to improve breastfeeding duration and create families attentive to the needs of their children.
This lecture was originally offered as part of the GOLD Lactation Conference 2024.
Carina Krasnoff is an MD specialist in Pediatrics and Public Health, holding a degree from the University of Buenos Aires, where she graduated in 1994. Her professional journey includes completing the Residency and serving as Chief of Pediatric Residents at the Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Teodoro Álvarez from 1995 to 2000.
Carina is recognized as an International Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and has earned a Diploma in Childcare and Breastfeeding from the University of Aconcagua. Additionally, she is an Instructor in Infant Massage accredited by the International Association of Infant Massage.
Having recently obtained specialization in Public Health from the University of Buenos Aires, Carina is actively involved in education. She imparts knowledge on Human Breastfeeding, Childcare, and Nurturing Touch Care at national universities, hospitals, and various private institutions in Argentina and Latin America.
As a committed professional, Carina is a member of the National Breastfeeding Committee of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics and serves as a Reviewer for scientific articles related to breastfeeding in the "Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría," the Scientific Journal of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics. She holds the position of Founder member (secretary) at ACLAMA (Association of Breastfeeding Consultants of Argentina).
Carina Krasnoff also assumes the role of Director for the "Infant Massage Course for Professionals in the Perinatal and Pediatric Area" at Criar Salud, an educational-assistance space for families and professionals. Her approach to assistance is rooted in providing families with comprehensive, holistic, and respectful care during their breastfeeding and parenting processes.
Driven by a mission to raise awareness among health agents working with the perinatal and pediatric population, Carina focuses on emphasizing the fundamental nature of contact in primary processes. Her dedication extends to promoting breastfeeding education from a health prevention perspective through her teaching endeavors.
1. Explain the importance of skin to skin contact in relation to breastfeeding.
2. Describe the relation between skin to skin contact, the autonomic nervous system and the release of oxytocin.
3. List 3 strategies to offer families to improve closeness when due to various circumstances mom and baby must remain separated.
We sense the world as threatening or pleasant through our skin. Sensations such as warmth, heat, cold, intense or dim light, gentle or aggressive touch can both stimulate and inhibit our autonomic nervous system and oxytocinergic system. When the baby is in skin-to-skin contact with his mother, he moves his little hands to "massage" his mother's chest, thus generating oxytocin pulses (Uvnas-Moberg 2003). The moderate pressure contact exerted by the baby's body on the mother's body generates a tactile stimulus that triggers a strong associated vagal response of calm and wellness.
More and more research is being added in relation to the power of touch in the release of oxytocin and the stimulation of the vagal system. This presentation will look at how touch, the mother of senses, provides mother and baby the input to the oxytocinergic system playing an integral role in the biological-behavioral regulation of lactation. As care providers, learning how to nuture these encouters between parent and baby and teach about why it is so important will help to improve breastfeeding duration and create families attentive to the needs of their children.
Accreditation
CERPs - Continuing Education Recognition Points
Applicable to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), Certified Lactation Educators (CLEs), Childbirth Educators (CBEs) and Doulas. GOLD Conferences has been designated as a Long Term Provider of CERPs by IBLCE--Approval #CLT114-07. This program is approved for 1 L-CERP.
AAFP CME Credits for Physicians & Nurses
The American Academy of Family Physicians has reviewed this activity and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. Term of approval is from 04/01/2025 to 04/01/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity is approved for 1 AAFP Elective CME credit.
Dietetic CPEUs - Continuing Professional Education Units
Applicable to Dieticians & Nutritionists, this program is approved for 1 Dietetic CPEU by the Commission on Dietetic Registration - the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Midwifery CEUs - MEAC / NARM Contact Hours
This program is accredited through the Midwifery Education & Accreditation Council (MEAC) for 1 Contact Hour (0.1 MEAC CEU).
It is also recognized by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) for 1 CEU/Contact Hour. Please note that 0.1 MEAC CEU is equivalent to 1.0 NARM CEU/Contact Hour.
Nurse Contact Hours
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission (ANCC) on Accreditation for 1 Nursing Contact Hour.
Nurse Contact Hours are valid until 04/02/2026.
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If you have already participated in this program, you are not eligible to receive additional credits for viewing it again. Please send us an email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Additional Details
Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Tags / Categories
(IBCLC) Techniques, Mindfulness & Stress Reduction in Breastfeeding
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