By Alison Heyerdahl

The first hour after birth, when the mother has uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with her newborn, is termed the Golden Hour. Research has recently recognized the vital role that “The Golden Hour” plays in stimulating breast milk production and, ultimately, breastfeeding success. Researchers have found that skin-to-skin interaction and breastfeeding at birth not only improve breastfeeding outcomes but both maternal and newborn outcomes as well.

Babies are often thrust into unfamiliar territory after birth.  They may feel hungry or thirsty as they learn to take their first few breaths of air and feel the cool air on their skin.  At this stage, it is important for babies to feel secure and comforted by the warm touch of their mother’s skin and receive breast milk.

Evidence has found that the following practices contribute to the physiologic stabilization of the mother-newborn dyad after birth.  Important elements of the Golden Hour include:

• Delayed cord clamping

• Skin-to-skin contact for at least an hour

• If applicable, the performance of newborn assessments while the baby is on the mother’s abdomen, including the first vaccines.

• Delaying non-urgent tasks for 60 minutes (WHO recommends waiting at least 6 hours for the first bath to allow vernix - the thick, creamy white substance on the infant present at birth, which acts as a skin barrier - to be absorbed into infant skin).

• The early initiation of breastfeeding.

These practices contribute to decreased levels of stress in the newborn and the mother, regulating the baby’s temperature and improving mother and baby bonding.  Another important finding associated with these Golden Hour practices is that babies placed skin-to-skin at birth and allowed to latch and breastfeed during the first hour of life are more successful at exclusively breastfeeding later on.

The Benefits of the Golden Hour for the mom:

• Triggers breast milk production by stimulating prolactin release

• Decreases blood loss and risk of postpartum hemorrhage

• Decreases pain and reduces the need for pain medications following birth

• Produces a euphoria that decreases stress and promotes bonding

• Reduces the risks of postpartum depression

• The hormonal surge gives you extra energy to care for your newborn after laboring

The Benefits of observing the Golden Hour for babies:

• Regulates body temperature without energy consumption

• Prevents hypoglycemia caused by cold stress

• Improves breastfeeding success rates across the board

• Produces a euphoria which decreases stress and promotes bonding

• Provides a safe and warm environment where the transition to the world outside the womb can occur naturally, as intended.

What Should I Do if the Golden Hour is Disrupted?

While the golden hour is always the first choice, unforeseen circumstances such as transitional issues with the infant, complications with the mother following delivery, or anesthesia may affect the first hour.  Many parents judge themselves harshly when the first hour doesn’t go as planned, but mothers should not feel defeated when this happens.

Sometimes, after a difficult delivery, or if your baby passed meconium in utero, they may be placed in a warmer where their vitals are checked. Other times, the mother may have difficulty birthing the placenta or need to have her perineum stitched. Simply holding your newborn and allowing her to hear your voice and be comforted by your presence is beautiful parenting. Additionally, many studies report the benefits of skin-to-skin time with the father in the first hour after birth, promoting bonding. Whatever the situation, don’t be too hard on yourself.

Pro Tip: Choose a Baby-Friendly Accredited hospital for delivery. This accreditation designates that the hospital staff is dedicated to protecting “The Golden Hour,” and their practices are designed concerning The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the evidence-based maternity care practices established to promote breastfeeding success by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.