The Golden Hour & Breastfeeding (2024)

FAQs

The Golden Hour & Breastfeeding? ›

The Golden Hour can have long-lasting effects on both the baby and the mother. For the baby, it promotes a sense of security, reduces stress, and aids in overall development. It is also associated with improved breastfeeding success, which has its own set of long-term health benefits.

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recognises breastfeeding as a protective and life-saving intervention and recommends that it be initiated within the first hour of life (referred to as the “golden hour”).

The 3 Golden Hours refer to the immediate hours after a mother gives birth. It's so important that mothers are given the opportunity to be skin to skin with their babies during these 3 hours to breastfeed their baby and form that immediate bond.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding within one hour of birth protects the newborn from acquiring infection and reduces newborn mortality. “It facilitates emotional bonding between the mother and the baby and has a positive impact on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.

It has been well documented that holding a baby skin to skin in the first hour after birth is crucial for improving health, establishing breastfeeding and creating a priceless bond between mother and newborn baby. Every baby goes through nine amazing stages when skin to skin with their mother during the first hour.

Breastfeeding mothers who have consumed alcohol can wait 2 hours (per drink) before breastfeeding. This time will allow alcohol levels in her breast milk to go down. If the mother cannot wait to feed her infant, she can feed milk that was previously expressed when the mother was not drinking.

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts. See Breast Milk Storage and Preparation for more information.

Four to six weeks

This period is the most critical time for building baby's immune system. As your little one grows, your breast milk adapts to your baby's needs, providing nutrients that are perfect for their developmental state.

During the Golden Hour after birth, that magical 60-minute period when time appears to stand still, you and your newborn can create memories that will last a lifetime. This special time allows for skin-to-skin bonding and early breastfeeding, setting the foundation for physical health and emotional well-being.

This is because the levels of the hormone prolactin, which drives milk production, are higher overnight. Prolactin levels seem to be highest between 2-6am. Using a dummy or pacifier to settle your baby can hide some of their early feeding cues, interfering with responsive breastfeeding.

What is the hardest day of breastfeeding? ›

Many lactation professionals agree that day three can be the hardest for moms. Breastfeeding is a whole new experience and it takes a little getting used to. Perfecting your baby's latch doesn't usually happen right away and it is important to remember that it may take some patience to establish.

The 'Rule of Three' guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

Maintain a minimum of 2 to 3 feeds per day

Taking into account the principle of lactation (the more the breast is solicited, the more milk the body produces), it is advisable to continue to give your baby at least 2 to 3 feedings per day.

This tricky time of day often happens between 5 pm and midnight. This is often when you are most tired, and not at your best. Younger babies may want to cluster feed or they may refuse the breast altogether. Many children, regardless of age, may not want to go to sleep even when they are tired!

The golden hour helps regulate the baby's termperature, helps control their respiration and lower the risk of low blood sugar.

How Long Does Nursing Take? Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side.

Skin-to-Skin, Step by Step

Such close contact with you also helps to soothe your baby, who can hear your heartbeat and find comfort in your smell. As you and your baby enjoy closeness with one another, the nurse can conduct necessary care on each of you.

For the correct suckling position, your baby's mouth must be wide open, lips must be turned outwards and the areola must almost fill the mouth of the baby. The areolar region at the bottom of the lips should be a little more and the top part should be lesser. Your baby's chin should be in contact with your breast.

For the birthing parent, research shows that the Golden Hour helps: Reduce postpartum bleeding. Increase both breastmilk supply and breastfeeding success rates. Decrease the risk of postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.