The moment a baby is born is undoubtedly one of the most special events in life. After nine months of anticipation and preparation, parents are overwhelmed with joy and emotion when they meet their newborn child for the first time. It is a precious and crucial moment that marks the beginning of a new life and an unforgettable journey as parents.
In recent years, there has been increasing attention to the importance of the so-called "golden hour" immediately after birth. The golden hour refers to the first sixty minutes after birth, during which parents and the newborn have the opportunity to connect in an intimate and undisturbed way. This period has various benefits and is invaluable for both the baby and the parents.
One of the main benefits of the golden hour is the promotion of bonding between parent and child. It is scientifically proven that direct skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin plays a crucial role in establishing a strong emotional bond between parent and child, and the golden hour offers an ideal opportunity to strengthen this bond from the very first moment.
Furthermore, the golden hour has many other benefits for the newborn. The proximity of the mother helps the baby regulate his or her heart rate and breathing, which has a calming effect and facilitates the transition from the womb to the outside world. It also promotes blood sugar stability and temperature regulation of the baby, as the mother's body provides warmth and automatically adjusts to the needs of the newborn.
Moreover, the golden hour can increase the chance of successful breastfeeding. Direct skin-to-skin contact stimulates the baby to instinctively crawl to the breast and receive the first feeding. This not only promotes the production of breast milk but also strengthens the bond between mother and baby and helps build trust and a healthy feeding relationship.
Additionally, the golden hour also has psychological benefits for the parents. It gives them the chance to recover from childbirth and to enjoy the first moments with their child without distraction. It is a time of intense joy, wonder, and cherishing the new family dynamic. The golden hour also provides a calm environment where parents can ask questions to caregivers, receive information about the care of their newborn, and discuss any concerns.
In short, the golden hour is invaluable for the health and well-being of both the baby and the parents. It offers an intimate, undisturbed period of bonding and connection between parent and child, while helping the baby adjust to the new environment and assisting the parents in building trust and a healthy feeding relationship.
It is important to note that the golden hour is not only for natural births but also for cesarean sections. With proper planning and communication between the parents and the medical team, it is possible to realize the golden hour, even in situations where labor is induced or ends in a cesarean. The most important thing is that the medical professionals keep the parents informed and involve them in the decision-making about the birth plan.
It is also essential to protect the golden hours from unnecessary interruptions and disturbances, such as routine medical checks or visits from family and friends. It is important to respect the wishes of the parents and provide them with the necessary information to make informed decisions about the care of their newborn baby.
Golden hour is a unique opportunity to make an unforgettable start for the new family. It is a time to enjoy the love and joy that a newborn brings, while parents and baby grow together and get to know each other. It is a moment to cherish and celebrate as the beginning of a lifelong journey full of adventure and love.