How cuddling saves the world

WebMD (the hypochondriac's dream) reports on a study by Celeste Johnston, et. al, that shows that skin-to-skin contact (evocatively called Kangaroo Mother Care) decreases the pain of premature infants. In full-term babies as well, cuddling helps fight infection, facilitate breast feeding, and emphasize parental bonds.

Another study by Johnston (PDF) describes immediate post-birth physical contact between mother and baby as one of the primary indicators that the woman will perceive her child's birth positively, no matter the type of birth.

In adults, especially women, affectionate physical contact reduces stress and the NIH reports that skin-to-skin intimate contact generally produces positive feelings and better relationships (between adults and between adults and their children).

Why? Oxytocin. Feel the love.