Who doesnโt love a golden hour? For those of us who love photographing moments, we know that this is the time when natural light is at its best. The golden hour, in this context, takes on an entirely different meaning. For many first-time parents or those who havenโt heard of it before, the “golden hour” might seem a bit of a mystery, yet this first hour after birth is a critical period that has gained increasing attention in recent years. The crucial period, spanning the first hour after birth, is not just a symbolic time frame but a significant phase with profound implications for both mother and baby. Understanding the golden hour and its importance can greatly enhance the early moments of your newbornโs life.
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The golden hour refers to the first 60 minutes immediately following birth, a time recognised as essential for establishing a bond between mother and baby and for promoting successful breastfeeding. Immediately after birth, the baby is ideally placed on the motherโs chest, within the first few minutes. This practice of skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial. Research published in the Journal of Perinatology (2016) shows that placing the newborn directly on the motherโs chest helps to regulate the babyโs body temperature, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, this contact reduces crying and promotes more stable oxygen levels. The warmth and closeness provided by skin-to-skin contact offer comfort and ease the babyโs transition from the womb to the outside world.
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The golden hour is also crucial for initiating breastfeeding. Newborns have an instinct to feed immediately after birth, and early breastfeeding helps the baby latch on effectively. This first feed stimulates the motherโs milk production and provides the baby with colostrum, the initial milk rich in antibodies and essential nutrients that protect the baby from infections and support early growth. As the baby begins to breastfeed, this initial session not only nourishes but also strengthens the bond between mother and baby. Mom, remember you will need some help getting the baby to latch so give yourself grace, ok?
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During this critical hour, healthcare providers closely observe the babyโs vital signs to ensure that both mother and baby are adjusting well. The ongoing skin-to-skin contact continues to help stabilise the babyโs body temperature and create a sense of security and closeness. For mothers who have had Caesarean sections, experiencing the golden hour can be slightly different, but it remains possible and very beneficial. Recent advances in surgical techniques have made it possible for skin-to-skin contact to occur even in the operating room, provided there are no medical complications. A 2021 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology confirms that this practice can be safely implemented and is beneficial for both mother and baby. In cases where immediate skin-to-skin contact is not feasible due to medical reasons, efforts are made to ensure that the baby is brought to the mother as soon as it is safe. This might involve placing the baby in an incubator near the motherโs bed or facilitating early bonding through other means once both are stable.
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The golden hour also offers significant benefits when the partner is involved. Although skin-to-skin contact has traditionally been seen as the domain of the mother and baby, including the partner in this practice can be highly advantageous. This shared experience establishes emotional bonding not only between the baby and the mother but also with the partner, creating a strong family connection from the outset. The presence of the partner provides additional emotional support to both the mother and the baby, offering reassurance during what can be an intense and emotional time. Moreover, involving the partner in the golden hour and skin-to-skin contact reinforces the concept of shared responsibility in parenting, marking the beginning of a collaborative parenting journey.
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The impact of the golden hour extends beyond the immediate benefits. For the baby, it promotes a sense of security, reduces stress, and supports overall development. Early breastfeeding, initiated during this period, is associated with long-term health benefits as well. For mothers, the golden hour ushers in a sense of empowerment and accomplishment, marking the beginning of a unique and profound bond with their baby.
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Cherishing this time and embracing the transformative experience of early parenthood can create lasting memories and support the healthy start of a new life. The golden hour is the start of a beautiful and significant chapter in your life, laying the foundation for a strong and loving family bond.
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References:
Peleg, B., Globus, O., Granot, M., Leibovitch, L., & Mazkereth, R. (2019). “Golden Hour” quality improvement intervention and short-term outcome among preterm infants. Journal of Perinatology
Pacagnella, Rodolfo & Pinheiro, Anderson & Silveira, Carla & Morais, Sirlei & Argenton, Juliana & Souza, Joรฃo & Weeks, Andrew & Cecatti, Jose. (2021). The golden hour for postpartum hemorrhage: Results from a prospective cohort study. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 156. 10.1002/ijgo.13823.
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