The Golden Hour

“The Golden Hour” is the period (at least 1 hour or more) immediately after a mother gives birth. Ideally, this hour or more would be undisturbed with mom and baby skin to skin. If possible, hospital procedures such as weighing, measuring, bathing or routine newborn care would be delayed during those first few hours after birth. 

Some benefits of “The Golden Hour” include: 

  • Baby led initiation of breastfeeding: Within the first few hours after birth most healthy newborns will instinctively move to their mother’s breast and attach on their own. This is known as the “breast crawl.” 

    • Prolactin and oxytocin are released in response to stimulation by the baby's suckling at the breast. Prolactin is responsible for milk production, and oxytocin for milk letdown. These hormones are also beneficial in other ways. Prolactin is sometimes called “the love hormone.” In animals, it is responsible for mothering behaviors. Oxytocin is responsible for the relaxed, calm feelings that accompany milk letdown. Together, these two hormones keep mothers relaxed, calm, and ready to care for their babies.

  •   In addition to the importance of early feeding for mother-baby attachment and bonding, the release of Oxytocin also helps to expel the placenta, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

  • Body System regulation: Babies who are left skin to skin with their mothers for the first hours immediately after birth are better able to regulate their temperature and regulation.

  • An undisturbed first hour with skin to skin also reduces the risk of hypoglycemia in your baby (low blood sugar levels).

  • Promotes mother and baby bonding/attachment

  •   Improves breastfeeding success rates- Breastfeeding initiation and duration is likely to be more successful with babies who have early skin to skin contact.

 

There are so many benefits from skin to skin, not just during the first few hours after birth. Click to see the benefits of skin to skin beyond the first week

https://www.proactivepediatrictherapy.com/new-blog/skin-to-skin-benefits-beyond-the-first-week

 

For more information on breastfeeding in the first few hours, click here:

https://globalhealthmedia.org/videos/breastfeeding-in-the-first-hours-after-birth/

 

If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s breastfeeding journey please contact our office! We would love to help you and your child THRIVE!

 

Healthy Children’s Project, Inc. 2020

Ulnas-Moberg, 2003

Emily Brandt