What Is This "Golden Hour?"
It wasn't until my third baby, born in a birth center, that I learned about and appreciated what many call the "Golden Hour." I thought it was mandatory and standard protocol (at least in a hospital setting) that regardless if I and my baby were healthy, my baby was placed on my stomach for a few seconds then swept away for routine assessments. After the birth of my third baby, there was no sense of urgency to get her vitals and check her length and weight (although we ALL were eager to know her weight because she was a heavy 10 pounder). It was peaceful, unrushed and the only thing we needed to do was drain the tub from my water birth and escort me and my newborn, who was resting quietly on my bare chest, out of the tub and into the bed.
So, what is this "Golden Hour" that we hear so often or maybe not at all? I'm so glad you asked :-) It is the first 60 minutes after the delivery of a baby where mother and baby bond skin-to-skin, uninterrupted (given they are both healthy and there are no medical concerns). This intimate bonding time gives many benefits to the baby and mother, which is why it's encouraged and respected more often in and out of hospital settings. It is the first recognition a baby has to its mother through touch and smell. All that said, let's look at some of the benefits!
Benefits To Baby:
Regulates temperature and heart rate through skin-to-skin contact
Relaxes baby so they cry less
Allows baby time to attempt the "breast crawl" and latch by themselves
Gives baby time to familiarize themselves with the mother and her breasts as a source of food and comfort
Attachment to the mother supports infant brain development
Benefits To Mother:
Relaxes mother and releases oxytocin hormones that contribute to breastfeeding as well as contracting the uterus to reduce bleeding
Stimulates breast milk and sets up a more successful breastfeeding journey
Builds a connection between mother and baby
This precious time after birth can happen with a vaginal or cesarean birth! Depending on the circumstances after a cesarean, there may be a slight delay in initiating bonding, but speaking with your midwife/physician and care team ahead of time can allow them to accommodate your wishes as much as possible. Partners can also do skin-to-skin in the interim, should the mother not be immediately available to do so. Knowing the benefits and options you have can give you the chance to make a more informed choice for your birth experience. Every mother and baby should at least have that opportunity to experience the "Golden Hour” uninterrupted.