The Golden Hour: Skin to Skin

“Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
— A. A. Milne

The ‘golden hour' as it's often referred to us immediate skin to skin contact between mother and baby after birth or a soon after as possible. During these hours, baby is placed naked on the mother’s bare chest for at least an hour where they can hear her heart beat. These moments allow baby to adjust to life outside of the womb while still being very close to mom. This also can reduce stress in both mother and baby. Also, babies who are given this skin to skin time with mom have greater respiratory, temperature and glucose stability. In addition, skin to skin can increase baby’s success with breastfeeding. 

Skin to skin after vaginal birth…

After delivering a full term baby, vaginally, with no complications, the baby is dried off and placed on mom's bare chest belly down. The baby is covered with warm blankets and a hat is placed on their head to ensure they stay warm. 

Skin to skin after cesarean birth…

After baby is delivered through a cesarean birth with no complications, your partner may be able cut the umbilical cord, the surgical drape is lowered and baby is placed belly down on mom’s bare chest and covered with a warm blanket for the rest of the procedure. 

Breastfeeding after the golden hour of skin to skin…

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that any babies that are going to be breastfed spend time skin to skin right after birth. Research has proven that babies who have been skin to skin breastfeed better than those who have been swaddled. Skin to skin babies breastfeed for an average of six weeks longer compared to other babies. Also, in the first few weeks it allows mom to better understand baby’s hunger cues, especially when baby is sleepy. 

Skin to skin with dad…

Skin to skin isn’t just for mom. Both parents are encouraged to practice it with baby. This promotes bonding with dads/partners too as it helps release oxytocin and those hormones that bond up to our babies. In a cesarean birth, dad/partner may be asked to practice skin to skin while birthing parent is still in surgery or unable to hold baby yet.

Be sure to talk with your provider and birthing team about you desire and wishes. Most hospitals and birthing centers encourage skin to skin now, however it never hurts to discuss your wants and needs beforehand! 

Allison RollansComment