The Importance of the First Hour After Birth
You’re one week closer to experiencing the Golden Hour, the first hour immediately after birth. This special time is vital for both you and your baby. Placing your baby skin-to-skin and allowing them to nurse during this hour has remarkable benefits:
- For your baby, it helps regulate their heart rate, blood sugar, and body temperature, creating a smooth transition to life outside the womb.
- For you, early breastfeeding initiation stimulates prolactin receptors in your brain, which can improve milk supply in the long run. It also triggers uterine contractions that help reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging.
While many care providers understand the importance of the Golden Hour, it’s a good idea to discuss your wishes with your provider beforehand.
If immediate skin-to-skin contact isn’t possible for medical reasons, consider hand-expressing or pumping to gain the maternal benefits of early stimulation.
Tips for You This Week
- Include the Golden Hour in your birth plan and communicate its importance with your care team.
- Learn basic hand-expression techniques ahead of time to feel prepared if direct feeding isn’t immediately possible.
- Discuss options for support from your partner or other loved ones to ensure your preferences are honored.
Fun Fact:
Babies are born with a natural instinct to crawl to the breast during the Golden Hour, guided by scent and touch—another example of your body and baby working together in perfect harmony.
