The First Golden Hour

Why skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth matters.

The first Golden Hour is a special time for you and your newborn. Caring for your baby in a calm, peaceful environment can bring significant short- and long-term benefits for both mother and child.

During this time, the focus should be on your baby’s first breastfeed and on nurturing early bonding. Most newborn care and assessments — such as cleaning, weighing, and Apgar scoring — can be carried out while your baby rests safely on your chest. Unless medically necessary, hospital procedures should accommodate these priorities, even after a caesarean birth.

What this entails

For your baby

After birth, your baby is usually placed tummy-down on your chest or belly and covered with a warm blanket. In these first few minutes, babies may cry, stretch, and open their eyes in search of you. The rest of the Golden Hour is often a mix of gentle movements, bursts of energy, and quiet rest.

With continued skin-to-skin contact, your baby will instinctively move toward your breast. Latching can take time, and while caregivers may offer assistance, most babies can find the nipple on their own.

For mom

You remain in labour after birth: the placenta still needs to be delivered, and your uterus needs time to contract. A restful environment — free from visitors and distractions — helps lower adrenaline and supports the production of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that encourage bonding and breastfeeding.

6 benefits of an undisturbed Golden Hour

1. Reduces risk of postpartum haemorrhage: An uninterrupted Golden Hour can promote early breastfeeding, which can ease placental delivery, lower the risk of haemorrhage, and deepen the bond between mother and baby.

2. Supports baby’s body system regulation: Newborns have limited insulating fat and can struggle to stay warm. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact assists in regulating body temperature and respiration, helping the baby conserve energy and oxygen. Combined with breastfeeding, it can also stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycaemia.

3. Promotes mother-baby attachment: Oxytocin, the hormone responsible for maternal behaviour and nurturing feelings, is released during skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Mothers who experience this close contact after birth tend to feel more confident in meeting their baby’s needs.

4. Improves breastfeeding success: Babies given time to self-latch without intervention are more likely to achieve correct tongue positioning, supporting long-term breastfeeding success.

5. Protects against separation: Babies born without exposure to excessive medication are naturally alert after birth, recognising their mother’s touch, smell, and voice. Separating a newborn from their mother can cause distress and trigger a ‘despair state,’ where the baby becomes withdrawn and their body systems slow to conserve energy and warmth.

6. Boosts baby’s immunity: Exposure to maternal bacteria through vaginal birth, skin-to-skin contact, and early breastfeeding stimulates the baby’s gut microbiome and immune system, which can be vital in supporting their ability to fight infections later in childhood

Closing Notes

The first Golden Hour lays the foundation for successful breastfeeding, a strong bond, and your baby’s health. Taking the time for skin-to-skin contact and gentle nurturing can have lasting benefits. Asking your care team to support these practices ensures you and your baby have the best possible start on this new journey together.

Adapted from article written by Joanna Goy (Founder, Singapore Lactation Bakes)

Read original article here: https://slb.sg/the-first-golden-hour/

Image Credits:

• Photo by Solen Feyissa, Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-white-red-and-green-floral-shirt-4crXipFM1hc