The Golden Hour after Birth
Have you heard of the golden hour but don’t really know what it is? Today, we're going to take a deep dive into the golden hour and why you should include it in your birth plan.
In this blog post I’ll answer:
What is the golden hour?
What happens during the golden hour?
Why is the golden hour important?
Not to be confused with the lighting photographers love just before sunset, the first 60-120 minutes after birth is typically called the golden hour. It holds immense significance for both the baby and the mother. The term came about in neonatology to emphasize specific ways to optimize care for newborn babies. Research has shown that what happens during the golden hour maximizes bonding between mama and baby postpartum.
In the past, the process of bonding with a baby would often be overshadowed by medical procedures. New mothers would find themselves observing as their precious newborns were handed over to nurses for medical examinations, cleaning, and other tasks. It wasn't until after all the waiting that the new parents would finally have the opportunity to embrace their little bundle of joy, but they were usually already swaddled with a hat on.
What is the Golden Hour?
Imagine a world where time stands still, and love, warmth, and connection intertwine. This is the essence of the golden hour after birth. As soon as a baby is born, they are gently placed skin-to-skin on their mother's belly or chest, embracing an uninterrupted bond. This immediate contact between the mother and baby is the beginning that sets the stage for love, trust, and emotional well-being through postpartum and beyond.
What Happens During the Golden Hour?
1. Skin-to-Skin Contact:
Skin-to-skin is when you place your newborn baby on your bare chest with no clothes or blankets in between you and your baby. As your baby is gently placed on their mother's belly or chest, the wonder of physical closeness begins. Skin-to-skin contact promotes the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," fostering feelings of happiness, relaxation, and love in both mother and baby. During the first hour after birth, skin-to-skin is highly encouraged between mama and baby. After that though, skin-to-skin can promote bonding between any caregiver.
2. Exploration and Familiarization:
Your newborn's hands instinctively reach out, exploring the mother's face, touching her skin, and feeling her heartbeat, remember your newborn knows your heartbeat better than anything else in the world right now. This exploration fosters a sense of familiarity, security, and recognition of the mother's voice and scent.
3. Breastfeeding and Nourishment:
The golden hour often marks the beginning of the breastfeeding journey.
*Breast crawling
Your newborn instinctively knows where to find their first meal. When they find their own way to your breast and latch, this is called breast crawling. They use an innate stepping reflex to wiggle close to your nipple and begin to open their mouth and lick. Breast crawling establishes early feeding skills and promotes bonding.
*First milk
Contrary to what you might think, your body has been to producing milk since 20 weeks gestation. The first milk your baby will eat is called colostrum. Colostrum is full of antibodies that coat your baby’s gut to protect them from viruses and bacteria. It is more concentrated than full-body breast milk. The first feed releases hormones that promote healing, bonding, and breastmilk production.
4. Health assessments:
When born healthy, most newborns can wait to have their initial health checks until after the golden hour. Some assessments can be performed during the golden hour, even during skin-to-skin. After the golden hour and the first feed; height, and weight can be taken and recorded, blood can be drawn and any medications and ointments can be administered if you choose.
Why is the Golden Hour Important?
1. Bonding and Attachment between Mother and Baby:
The foundation of the golden hour is immediate skin-to-skin contact. The warmth, touch, and scent of the mother create a safe haven for the baby, helping to build trust and promote secure attachment immediately after birth. This bond comforts the baby and lays the groundwork for their emotional and cognitive development as they grow older.
2. Regulating Newborn Body Functions:
During the golden hour, skin-to-skin aids in regulating the newborn’s body functions. The mother's body temperature helps keep the baby warm, reducing the risk of hypothermia. The baby's breathing and heart rate stabilize and synchronize with the mother's, promoting a smooth transition from the womb to the outside world.
3. Initiating Breastfeeding:
Skin-to-skin contact encourages the baby's natural instincts to root and seek the breast, leading to initiation of breastfeeding. The newborn can pick up on the mother's unique scent, gently guiding them toward the nourishment they need. Breastfeeding during the golden hour provides colostrum—the first milk rich in vital nutrients and antibodies that boost the baby's immune system.
The golden hour is a profound experience that celebrates the miracle of life. It is a time when love, warmth, and connection intertwine, setting the stage for a nurturing and safe journey. By embracing the golden hour, we honor the incredible bond between mother and baby, providing them with a solid foundation for a lifetime of love and growth.
Download my FREE guide “Postpartum Care in your Birth Plan” for more information on the golden hour and newborn procedures.