Baby's First Hours of Life: The Golden Hour

First hours with the newborn are pure magic. Bonding with your baby during the first hour is pure divine and magical. The first 60 minutes of a baby’s life, is often referred as ‘The Golden Hour’. The golden hour is very beneficial and important for both mom and baby and represent a sacred time of connection between them that sets the foundation for a lifetime of bonding. In this article, we’ll explore why these precious moments are so crucial and how to make the most of this magical time with your newborn.

Bonding with Baby

Welcoming the little one into the world is an incredible experience! Those first hours with the newborn are pure magic. Despite the tiredness, the little ones are surprisingly alert. Cuddling skin-to-skin; the bond you share is indescribable. The joy of bonding with the newborn is beyond words. Even in those early hours, the baby can see up to two feet away, recognizing the face and reacting to light and sound. Witnessing their startle response is both adorable and awe-inspiring.

Skin-to-skin cuddles with the baby are pure bliss. In those precious moments, feel their warmth and witnessed their curiosity as they explored the world around them. It’s a love that grows with every touch and gaze.

Skin-to-skin contact makes baby feel secure and warm and helps:

• reduces newborn crying
• helps start and sustain breastfeeding
• helps maintain your baby’s body temperature
• stabilizes the newborn’s heart rate and breathing

Feeding during the Golden Hour

Shortly after birth, babies typically exhibit signs of wanting to feed and will often attach and suckle at the breast around 50 minutes after delivery. Placing your baby against your chest will likely prompt them to find your breast and initiate feeding. If this doesn’t occur, you can seek assistance from your midwife or a lactation consultant.

The initial milk produced is known as “colostrum.” It has a thick consistency and is often yellowish, rather than pure white. Colostrum is considered the ideal milk for your baby and also referred as ‘The Golden Yellow’. Read more at Colostrum, the Liquid Gold: Baby’s First Vaccine

Your first milk, colostrum, is often called “liquid gold” for good reason. This yellowish, thick substance is:

• Perfectly designed for your newborn’s needs
• Rich in antibodies and immune-boosting properties
• Easily digestible for your baby’s new digestive system
• Packed with nutrients in small, concentrated amounts

The New Born

Newborns are little miracles with their own unique features. Some baby may have a head full of hair, but others might be adorably bald. And that thick, whitish coating? It washed away during the first bath, revealing the softest skin.

At birth, your baby’s vision is initially blurry. However, they will be able to focus on your face from a distance of about 30 centimeters, often referred to as the “cuddle distance.” This distance is approximately from your breast to your face. As your baby hears your voice and sees your face, they will begin to make the connection between what they hear and what they see.

Your baby will also have the ability to smell and taste the amniotic fluid they were surrounded by in the womb, as well as your colostrum, which has a similar flavor. These familiar smells and tastes can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity to your baby.

Making the Most of the Golden Hour

To optimize this precious time:

• Request delayed routine procedures when medically appropriate
• Keep the room quiet and dimly lit to reduce sensory overload
• Minimize interruptions during skin-to-skin contact
• Allow your baby to initiate feeding naturally
• Take photos if desired, but prioritize bonding over documentation

Supporting Partners During the Golden Hour

Partners play a vital role during this time by:

• Creating a protective space for mother and baby
• Managing external interruptions
• Providing physical and emotional support
• Participating in skin-to-skin contact when appropriate
• Documenting these precious moments if desired

When the Golden Hour Isn’t Possible

Sometimes, medical circumstances prevent immediate skin-to-skin contact. If this happens:

• Remember that bonding can occur at any time
• Work with medical staff to initiate contact as soon as safely possible
• Consider alternative bonding methods recommended by healthcare providers
• Focus on the quality of interaction when it becomes possible

Conclusion

The golden hour represents an extraordinary window of opportunity for bonding with your newborn. While every birth story is unique, understanding and preparing for this special time can help create lasting memories and establish a strong foundation for your journey into parenthood. Remember, while the first hour is indeed golden, the bond you create with your child continues to strengthen with every interaction, touch, and moment shared together.