02/06/2025
✨ The Golden Hour:
Why the First 60 Minutes After Birth Are So Important!! ✨
The first hour after birth (often called the Golden Hour) is more than just a beautiful bonding moment. It’s a crucial time that sets the stage for baby’s health and well-being. Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact during this time has incredible benefits:
🍼 More Successful Breastfeeding:
Babies who have skin-to-skin contact are more likely to latch effectively, and studies show this early connection can increase exclusive breastfeeding rates by 50% at six weeks postpartum.
💖 Stabilizes Baby’s Body & Lowers Stress:
Holding baby close helps regulate temperature, breathing, and heart rate, reducing stress hormones in both baby and parent. It also releases oxytocin, which promotes bonding and lowers postpartum depression risks.
🍬 Balances Blood Sugar Levels:
The transition from womb to world can cause dips in a baby’s blood sugar. Skin-to-skin contact helps keep glucose levels stable, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially in babies born to parents with gestational diabetes.
🦠 Strengthens Immunity:
Baby picks up healthy bacteria from the parent’s skin, which helps develop a strong immune system from birth.
😢 Less Crying, More Comfort:
Studies show that newborns held skin-to-skin cry 67% less than those placed in a crib.
The Golden Hour isn’t just a recommendation, it’s backed by research and has long-term benefits for both baby and parent. Whenever possible, advocate for uninterrupted skin-to-skin time after birth. These first moments matter. 💛
