The moment a baby comes into the world is without a doubt 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, increasing attention has been paid 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 the parents and newborn have the opportunity to connect with each other in an intimate and undisturbed way. This period has several benefits and is invaluable for both the baby and the parents.
One of the most important benefits of the golden hour is the promotion of bonding between parent and child. It has been scientifically proven that direct skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone". Oxytocin plays a crucial role in creating a strong emotional bond between parent and child, and the golden hour provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen this bond from the very beginning.
Moreover, the golden hour also has many other benefits for the newborn. The closeness of the mother helps the baby to regulate his or her heart rate and breathing, which has a calming effect and eases the transition from the womb to the outside world. It also promotes blood sugar stability and the baby's temperature regulation, as the mother's body provides warmth and automatically adapts to the newborn's needs.
In addition, the golden hour can increase the chance of successful breastfeeding. Direct skin-to-skin contact encourages the baby to instinctively crawl to the breast and get the first feed. This not only promotes breast milk production, but also strengthens the bond between mother and baby and helps build trust and a healthy feeding relationship.
In addition, the golden hour also has psychological benefits for parents. It gives them the chance to recover from childbirth and enjoy the first moments with their child without distractions. It is a time of intense joy, wonder and nurturing the new family dynamic. The golden hour also provides a calm environment in which parents can ask questions of healthcare providers, learn about their newborn's care, and discuss any concerns they may have.
In short, the golden hour is invaluable for the health and well-being of both baby and parents. It provides an intimate, undisturbed period of bonding and connection between parent and child, while helping the baby to adapt to the new environment and helping the parents build trust and a healthy feeding relationship.
It is important to note that the golden hour is not only for natural births, but also for C-sections. With proper planning and communication between the parents and the medical team, it is possible to achieve the golden hour, even in situations where labor is induced or ends in a cesarean section. Most importantly, medical professionals keep parents informed and involved in decision-making about the birth plan.
It is also essential to protect the golden hours from unnecessary interruptions and disruptions, such as routine medical checkups or visits from family and friends. It is important to respect the wishes of parents and provide them with the necessary information to make informed decisions about the care of their newborn.
Golden hour is a unique opportunity to make an unforgettable start for the new family. It's a time to enjoy the love and joy that a newborn brings, as parents and baby grow and get to know each other together. It is a moment to cherish and celebrate as the beginning of a lifelong journey full of adventure and love.