Did you know that babies who were breastfed within the first hour of life are significantly more likely to continue breastfeeding? This crucial period, known as the Golden Hour, holds amazing benefits for both the newborns and mothers.
Breastfeeding during the Golden Hour can positively impact maternal health, from emotional well-being to physical recovery.
This practice isn’t only vital for the newborn’s adaptation to the outside world but also plays a significant role in enhancing maternal health. In this blog, we will explore the myriad benefits of breastfeeding during the first hour of a baby’s life for mothers.
What is the Golden Hour?
The Golden Hour refers to the first sixty minutes following the birth of a baby. During this time, immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her newborn should take place.
This period is characterized by the baby being placed on the mother’s chest, initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible, and allowing for a natural and gentle transition from the womb to the outside world.
Benefits for the Newborn
- There’s thermal regulation. Skin-to-skin contact helps the baby regulate their body temperature more effectively than in an incubator.
- It stabilizes the newborn’s breathing and heart rate, reducing stress and promoting calmness.
- Early contact fosters a strong emotional bond between the baby and the mother, which is crucial for the baby’s emotional and psychological development.
- Early initiation of breastfeeding helps the baby latch correctly and start feeding effectively, which is crucial for nutrition and immune support.
Understanding the significance of the process highlights why it’s a practice worth advocating for in hospitals and home births, ensuring that the mother and baby receive the best possible start in their post-birth journey.
Mothers at Birth
The hormones at birth and skin-to-skin care prepare a mother to need and seek her baby at the moment immediately after childbirth. The production of oxytocin stimulates motherly feelings as a mother touches, gazes, and breastfeeds her newborn.
More oxytocin is released when a mother holds her newborn skin-to-skin. The mother’s brain releases beta-endorphin, an analgesic-like hormone that helps a mother respond to her baby, reinforce the pleasure of her interactions, and help her feel calm.
Effects of Disrupted Golden Hour
This critical practice requires respect, protection, and support. Disrupting or delaying skin-to-skin contact has unfavorable effects, such as:
- Suppress a newborn’s innate protective behaviors
- Disturbed mother-baby bonding
- Maternal attachment and breastfeeding become difficult
- Reduce the mother’s affective response to her baby
All these may hurt maternal behavior. Studies have proven that this could be evident by rougher handling of the baby during feeding, lower affective responses, and fewer maternal behaviors to respond to the baby’s cues at postpartum.
Benefits of Breastfeeding in the Golden Hour for Maternal Health
1. Promotes Bonding
- Oxytocin Release
The hormone oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is released during skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. This hormone promotes a strong emotional bond between the mother and her newborn. This exemplifies the bonding that can’t be equaled.
The physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact, combined with breastfeeding, create a sense of intimacy between the mother and her newborn.
- Emotional Well-Being: The release of oxytocin also enhances the mother’s emotional state. This immediate post-birth connection helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, fostering a better postpartum experience.
The emotional support derived from this bond is essential in mitigating the risk of postpartum depression and improving overall mental health.
2. Helps with Uterine Contraction
- Physical Recovery: Oxytocin also aids in uterine contraction after childbirth, helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This early release of oxytocin significantly reduces postpartum bleeding, leading to a safer recovery.
- Speeding Up Recovery: Faster uterine contraction and reduced bleeding contribute to a quicker physical recovery post-childbirth. Mothers experience less postpartum pain and discomfort, enabling them to regain their strength and energy early. They’re more likely to be active in caring for their baby.
3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Hormonal Balance: Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are balanced. The calming effect of oxytocin and the reduction in cortisol levels create a sense of relaxation and well-being.
- Mental Health Benefits: The hormonal changes during breastfeeding have long-term benefits for the mother’s mental health. Consistent breastfeeding reduces the incidence of postpartum anxiety and depression.
The emotional and psychological support derived from breastfeeding during the Golden Hour provides a stable foundation for the mother’s mental health in the weeks and months following childbirth.
4. Enhances Milk Production
- Early Stimulation: Initiating breastfeeding is crucial for stimulating milk production. The baby’s suckling triggers the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk synthesis. Early and frequent breastfeeding sessions help establish a robust milk supply.
- Lactation Success: Starting breastfeeding early sets the stage for a successful and sustained breastfeeding journey. Mothers are more likely to continue breastfeeding exclusively for the recommended duration.
This early success boosts the mother’s confidence in her ability to nurse, creating a positive feedback loop that supports sustained breastfeeding efforts.
5. Long-Term Benefits in Medical Conditions
Long-term benefits such as managing postpartum weight, stabilizing blood sugars, and a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression. The mother need not worry about these serious health ailments. There’s also a reduced risk of non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
6. Confidence and Empowerment
The immediate connection and successful breastfeeding experience can boost the mother’s confidence in her ability to care for her newborn.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding in the Golden Hour
By following these practical tips, mothers can maximize the benefits of breastfeeding ‘during the period. This lays a positive foundation for their health and their baby’s well-being.
- Emphasize the critical role of immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth. Placing the newborn on the mother’s bare chest helps regulate the baby’s vital signs. The hormone oxytocin is also released, which is essential for bonding and breastfeeding.
- The delivery room or birthing area is prepared immediately after birth, making it conducive for the mother and baby to have skin-to-skin contact with minimal interruption. A warm blanket is needed to cover them.
- Create a comfortable and calm environment for the mother. Dim lights and reduced noise ensure privacy. A relaxed atmosphere can help the mother feel at ease, which is beneficial for initiating breastfeeding.
- Encourage the presence of a partner or a family member who can assist with positioning, encourage, and help maintain a serene environment. Their presence provides emotional support and help, making the mother relax.
- Seek assistance from lactation consultants who can provide expert advice and hands-on help with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can offer valuable tips on positioning, latching, and addressing any initial challenges.
- Communicate with healthcare providers about your intention to breastfeed during the Golden Hour. Healthcare professionals accommodate this request and ensure that any medical procedures don’t interfere unnecessarily.
- Take advantage of breastfeeding classes or educational resources available at hospitals, birthing centers, or online platforms. Being informed on techniques prepares mothers for a successful start during the Golden Hour.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Mothers can increase the likelihood of successful breastfeeding during the Golden Hour. We list the challenges and the corrective actions to overcome the barriers.
1. Medical Interventions
Cesarean Sections: Immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding might be delayed due to the surgery and recovery period.
Medical Complications: Childbirth complications such as preeclampsia, heavy bleeding, or the need for neonatal resuscitation can interfere with the practice.
How to Overcome
- Planned Cesarean Sections: Even if the Golden Hour slips away from the mother, not all hope is lost when it comes to breastfeeding. It might take more work, but it can still happen on the same day.
Also, discuss the possibility of immediate skin-to-skin contact in the operating room. Many hospitals are equipped to facilitate this, even during C-sections.
- Alternative Skin-to-Skin: If the mother is unable to hold the baby immediately, the partner can provide skin-to-skin contact until the mother is capable.
- Expressing Colostrum: When immediate breastfeeding isn’t possible, mothers can hand-express colostrum to feed the baby through a syringe or spoon until they can breastfeed directly.
- Healthcare Team Coordination: Work closely with the healthcare team to prioritize the Golden Hour. Communicate your birth plan and desire for early breastfeeding.
2. Physical and Emotional Barriers
- Exhaustion and Pain: The physical exhaustion and pain following childbirth can make it challenging for mothers to initiate breastfeeding.
- Anxiety and Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety about breastfeeding, particularly for first-time mothers, can hinder the process.
- Difficult Latch: Some babies have difficulty latching on correctly, leading to frustration and discomfort.
How to Overcome
- Pain Management: Ensure effective pain management post-delivery. Discuss pain relief options with healthcare providers that don’t interfere with breastfeeding.
- Gradual Approach: If breastfeeding is initially too difficult, start with short, frequent attempts and gradually increase the duration as both mother and baby become more comfortable.
- Support System: Include family members, friends, or doulas who can provide emotional support and encouragement.
- Relaxation Techniques: Reduce stress through deep breathing, visualization, or gentle music to create a calm environment. This can facilitate a successful breastfeeding experience.
- Professional Help: Seek assistance from lactation consultants to address any latching issues. They provide hands-on guidance to ensure a proper latch and comfortable breastfeeding experience.
Make Breastfeeding in the Golden Hour a Positive Experience
Breastfeeding during the Golden Hour offers many benefits for maternal health. The advantages underscore the importance of initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery, not only for newborn health but also for the well-being of the mother.
Expectant mothers are encouraged to consider the practice of breastfeeding during the Golden Hour and to seek the necessary support to foster a positive experience.
We at Omega Pediatrics invite the mothers of our young patients to share their experiences and thoughts on breastfeeding during the Golden Hour. Your stories and insights can provide valuable support and encouragement to other mothers embarking on their breastfeeding journey.
