Overview

The first hour after your baby is born is a critical time for bonding and transitioning to life outside the womb. This episode answers a question about how important this time really is and provides practical tips on how to prepare for it. Learn about the evidence on skin-to-skin contact, delayed umbilical cord clamping, and how to navigate newborn procedures while prioritizing bonding. We also explore what to expect during the first hour, including considerations for cesarean births and how your partner can play an active role.

Listen Now

Become a Pregnancy Podcast Premium member or log in to access all articles and episodes ad-free.

Transcript and Resources

Vanessa, I’m a big fan of the Pregnancy Podcast, and I’ve learned so much from your episodes. Thank you for all the amazing content you share! I’m preparing for the birth of my baby and have been hearing a lot about the “golden hour” after birth. I’d love it if you could cover this topic in one of your episodes. Specifically, I’m curious about how critical the first hour after birth is and whether there is anything I can do to prepare for this in advance to maximize this time for my baby and me. It would mean a lot to hear your insights on this topic. Thank you! – Jenna

Jenna, thank you so much for submitting your question. You bring up some excellent questions, and we can definitely dig into the evidence on the golden hour and talk about how you can prepare to take advantage of this time.

What is the Golden Hour?

During birth, your baby experiences catecholamines in response to the stress of the birthing process. Catecholamines include adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). This may sound not good, but this process has been fine-tuned through millions of years of evolution. These hormones help prepare your baby to transition to breathing air and life outside the womb. Catecholamines benefit your baby by making them alert for their first interactions with you and to initiate breastfeeding. For all of human history, babies go directly on their mother’s chest after birth. This skin-to-skin contact will soothe your baby and promote bonding.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

There is solid evidence that newborns placed skin-to-skin with their mothers immediately after birth transition to newborn life with greater respiratory, temperature, and glucose stability and significantly less crying, indicating decreased stress. Mothers who hold their newborn skin-to-skin after birth have increased maternal behaviors, show more confidence in caring for their babies, and breastfeed for longer durations. Being skin-to-skin with the mother protects the newborn from the well-documented adverse effects of separation, supports optimal brain development, and facilitates attachment, promoting infant regulation over time.

Babies are born with the instinctive skill and motivation to breastfeed and can find the breast and self-attach without assistance when skin to skin. When your newborn is placed skin-to-skin with you, nine observable behaviors lead to the first breastfeeding. Usually, all of these take place within the first hour after birth.

How Critical is the Golden Hour?

We know the first hour is essential for both you and your baby. In an ideal scenario, you can enjoy the first hour or more after birth uninterrupted. In the event of a complication, immediate medical care for you or your baby would take priority over being skin-to-skin and preserving the golden hour. If you cannot take advantage of the golden hour, you can still promote bonding and enjoy the benefits of skin-to-skin contact later. Skin-to-skin contact is most important in the first few weeks, but there is no time limit on when to stop getting skin-to-skin with your baby.

Tips to Prepare to Maximize Your Time with Your Baby After Birth

The bad news is that there is always the possibility that something out of your control will arise that impacts the golden hour. The good news is there is a lot you can do to prepare for this time, minimize potential interruptions, and maximize the time with your baby.

Know What to Expect

A basic understanding of what occurs directly after birth will help prepare you for what to expect. The number of hospital staff present will increase right before your baby is born. There will be a lot of commotion, especially in a delivery room in a hospital setting. As a result of the documented effects of skin-to-skin contact, care providers will prioritize placing a baby on their mother’s chest as soon as possible.

Umbilical Cord Clamping

You can get skin-to-skin immediately regardless of when the umbilical cord is clamped and cut.When your baby is born, the umbilical cord is still attached on one end to your baby and on the other to your placenta, which is still attached to your uterine wall. You will likely be in a reclined position or sitting upright when your baby is born. This allows your baby to be placed on your chest with an intact umbilical cord.

The World Health Organization recommends late cord clamping, approximately 1–3 minutes after birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a delay in umbilical cord clamping for at least 30–60 seconds after birth. Some parents choose to delay clamping the cord for a more extended period. Regardless of how long you wait to clamp and cut the cord, that procedure can take place with your baby on your chest.

The Third Stage of Labor

Your baby’s birth begins the third stage of labor. Your uterus will continue to contract and shrink. Your placenta will detach from your uterine wall. The blood vessels will close off, and the placenta will be pushed out. Your baby can remain on your chest during the third stage of labor.

Additional Newborn Procedures After Birth

Many routine procedures can be done for your baby after birth. Some of these are required, like weighing your baby. Others, like erythromycin, are optional and should involve informed consent. Many of the routine procedures can wait at least an hour or more. While it may be more convenient for hospital staff to separate you and your baby, most procedures can be performed while your baby is on your chest.

Drying your baby off or wrapping them in a blanket is not necessary. Your baby can go directly on your chest, and a blanket can be placed over your baby to keep them and you warm. A doctor, midwife, or nurse will physically examine your baby to determine their APGAR score, which can be done on your chest. Measurements like your baby’s weight and length can be delayed by at least an hour. Vitamin K and erythromycin can be delayed or administered with your baby on your chest. Putting an ID tag on your baby’s ankle or wrist can also happen with your baby on your chest.

Cesarean Birth

Although a cesarean birth differs from a vaginal birth, the golden hour still applies if you have a c-section. Typically, a baby born via cesarean will first go to a nurse for a quick evaluation. If your baby is adjusting well, then you should be able to get skin-to-skin contact right away. The majority of cesareans are done with an epidural so you can remain awake to meet your baby. Many procedures, like delayed cord clamping, can be compatible with a c-section. Your baby can stay on your chest while the placenta is removed and the incision is closed.

Your Birth Plan

Educating yourself is one of the best ways to minimize distractions and focus on your baby for the golden hour. Creating a birth plan is a valuable way to familiarize yourself with the procedures that may take place after birth and clearly outline your preferences. This allows you to focus on your baby in those precious moments after birth without worrying about weighing the pros and cons of procedures or deciding whether something can wait or needs immediate attention. By understanding your options and establishing your preferences ahead of time, you can minimize decision-making during this critical time.

The Pregnancy Podcast has many resources to assist you in creating your birth plan:

Involving Your Partner

The golden hour primarily focuses on mothers and babies, but it’s also essential for partners to bond and participate. If you require medical attention, your baby can be placed skin-to-skin with your partner. When your baby is on your chest, your partner can engage by seeing, touching, and talking to your baby to strengthen their bond. Partners also play a vital role in advocating for the golden hour and ensuring your post-birth preferences are respected. Ensure your partner is familiar with your birth plan so they can confidently support and advocate for you and your baby if needed.

Talking to Your Doctor or Midwife

Simply handing your doctor or midwife a copy of your birth plan when you arrive at the hospital in labor is not enough. Engaging in conversations and involving them throughout your prenatal care allows you to address any differences and ensure everyone is aligned with your preferences. Achieving the birth experience you want is much easier with the support and understanding of your care provider. If prioritizing the golden hour, practicing skin-to-skin contact, or delaying or opting out of specific procedures is important, discuss these preferences with your care provider well in advance.

Additional Resources

Thank you to the amazing companies that have supported this episode.

Free 1-year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first AG1 purchase.

AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement with a science-driven formulation of 75 high-quality vitamins, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. It is a simple and easy solution to fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, support immunity, and boost energy. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)