Golden Hour: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
The first hour after a baby is born is often referred to as the “golden hour.” If all is well with mother and baby, a baby should be left on the chest of momma for an uninterrupted hour of skin-to-skin and bonding. While social media tends to depict this time for mother and baby as one of complete peace, calm, and elation, the emotions of the mother can be anywhere from happiness to shock to pause or disbelief. While emotions following immediately after birth can not be expected, this protected hour is a sacred time for the birth parent and baby. Here are some reasons why golden hour is essential to help minimize stress and promote a calm and healthy environment for your baby.
Allows time for delayed cord clamping
Reduces stress levels in both mom and baby
Boosts baby’s immune system
Promotes bonding between baby and parent(s)
Encourages milk let down
Initiates the breast crawl and first latching for baby
Linked to better breastfeeding outcomes
Regulates baby’s bodily functions
In this first hour of life, your newborn is using all five senses to learn their new environment and adjust, and with this protected skin-to-skin time all of them center around Momma.