Which NOT listed benefit of skin-to-skin contact?

• A. Better Newborn Thermoregulation
• B. Decreased Need For Formula Feeding
• C. Less Neonatal Crying
• D. Increased Maternal Attachment Behaviors

Answer: (B)

Skin-to-skin contact directly supports newborn regulation, feeding success, and bonding. The baby’s thermoregulation improves because the mother's chest provides a natural, stable heat source, reducing heat loss and helping maintain a safer body temperature. The soothing rush from being held close calms the infant, leading to less crying. At the same time, close contact stimulates oxytocin in the mother, which strengthens maternal attachment behaviors and promotes responsive caregiving. While this practice can support breastfeeding and may reduce formula supplementation, that outcome is not usually listed as a direct benefit in many resources. Therefore, the option describing a decreased need for formula feeding is considered not a listed direct benefit, whereas the others are.