The Golden Hour After Birth

The golden hour is considered the first hour after birth when a new mom has uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with her new baby to facilitate bonding, initiate breastfeeding and slowly transition baby from the womb to the world. “Direct skin-to-skin contact after birth prompts the release of the [love] hormone oxytocin,” said Jill Purdie, M.D., OBGYN and medical director at Northside Women’s Specialists, part of the Pediatrix® Medical Group. “This hormone has been shown to improve the connection between mom and baby. Additionally, skin-to-skin improves breastfeeding rates and helps stabilize the infant’s body temperature and breathing rates.” This special bonding time establishes long lasting benefits for mom and baby. “Having the opportunity to establish breastfeeding in the early minutes improves the chance of successful breastfeeding in the long-term,” explained Susan Lipinski, M.D., OB-GYN at Obstetrix of Colorado, part of Pediatrix Medical Group. “Breastfed babies have lower rates of many childhood illnesses, including asthma, diabetes, ear infections, and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).”

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