Welcome to the CHD Skin-to-Skin-a-Thon Initiative!
Celebrating the Power of Connection
To all parents, healthcare professionals, and community advocates, a warm and heartfelt welcome!
We are thrilled to launch the Congenital Heart Disease Skin to Skin Initiative, a powerful movement dedicated to the promotion and implementation of skin-to-skin care (SSC), for infants born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
CHD is the most common birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in 100 infants worldwide. While these heart warriors face challenging beginnings, we know that the earliest moments of connection can make the biggest difference.
Why Skin-to-Skin for Heart Warriors?
SSC is medically proven to be essential for all newborns, but for an infant navigating the complexities of CHD, the benefits are even more vital:
- Physiological stability: Helps regulate heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature
- Reduces Stress: Helps lower stress levels in both the baby and the parent, potentially reducing cortisol levels
- Pain relief: Can relieve pain the baby might feel during certain procedures.
- Sleep & Brain Development: Supports good sleep/wake cycles and promotes brain development
- Bonding & Attachment: Helps baby and parents form strong attachment and mitigates postpartum anxiety and depression
- Milk Supply: Increases oxytocin hormone and can help improve milk production
- Growth & Immunity: Improves digestion and weight gain; strengthens babies immune function
The “Skin-to-Skin-a-Thon” is our global push to normalize and prioritize this important practice in every cardiac unit where a CHD infant is cared for.
How You Can Join Our Mission
This initiative is only possible through collaboration. We invite you to explore this website and find your place in our growing community:
For Parents of Heart Warriors
You are the reason for this movement! Your journey inspires us. We invite you to share your stories, photos, and personal triumphs of practicing skin-to-skin during your baby’s journey. Your experience provides hope and guidance to newly diagnosed families. This is a place for support, sharing, and celebration.
For Healthcare Professionals (HCPs)
You are the champions on the front lines. Your dedication makes this practice safe and effective. We invite you to utilize our resources, catch-up on the latest evidence on SSC for complex cardiac patients, and register your unit for the upcoming National CHD Skin-to-skin-a-thon. See and share hospital’s successes, best practices, and innovative ways to integrate SSC into your critical care routines. Together, we can drive institutional change.
For Community Members
Whether you are a family friend, a healthcare advocate, or someone simply moved by our mission, your support matters. Learn about CHD, help us spread awareness in your networks, and champion the cause of SSC for vulnerable infants. Every conversation, share, and donation helps us reach more families and hospitals.
Thank you for being here and joining us in this powerful commitment to giving every heart warrior the best start possible. Explore the site, learn more, and let’s put the healing power of connection into action!
With gratitude,
The CHD Skin-to-Skin Initiative Team