Golden Hour After Birth: Why Early Breastfeeding Matters For Mother And Baby

Infants placed in early skin-to-skin contact with their mothers also tend to interact more with their mothers. It is a physiological need that cements the bond between the mother and the baby.

Why the golden hour matters

According to a research article titled 'Healthy Birth Practice #6: Keep Mother and Baby Together- It's Best for Mother, Baby, and Breastfeeding' by Jeannette T. Crenshaw published in The Journal of Perinatal Education in 2014, "Keeping mothers and babies together is a safe and healthy birth practice. Evidence supports immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin care after vaginal birth and during and after Cesarean surgery for all stable mothers and babies, regardless of feeding preference. Unlimited opportunities for skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding promote optimal maternal and child outcomes."

Another reason the golden hour is important is that the baby is alert for around an hour after birth. Both the mother's and the baby's adrenaline are very high during this period, and it is a good time for the baby to feed. Early breastfeeding can help establish breastfeeding and may contribute to a longer breastfeeding duration.

Skin-to-skin contact and the first breastfeed within an hour of birth are integral to the breastfeeding journey that follows.

What if your golden hour did not happen

Not every birth goes according to plan. Sometimes medical complications, emergency procedures, or the baby's health needs may delay skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding.

If this happens to you, remember that emotional connection and breastfeeding can still be successfully established later. Every opportunity for skin-to-skin contact and responsive feeding continues to benefit both mother and baby.

What is colostrum?

When the newborn feeds on breast milk in the first hour after birth, the baby is protected by colostrum, or the first milk rich in nutrients and antibodies.

• Colostrum contains antibodies and other protective factors that support a baby's developing immune system and help protect against infections.
• Colostrum is high in fat, protein, and antibodies in a concentrated form because it is produced in very small quantities.
• Colostrum helps strengthen a newborn's immune system and provides protection against infections during the early weeks and months of life.

Benefits of the golden hour for babies

Studies also show that early breastfeeding helps infants gain the right amount of weight.

Delayed cord clamping, when medically appropriate, may provide additional benefits to the baby, including improved iron stores in early infancy.

Further, the first hour of the parent-baby relationship helps optimal cord clamping, and the baby benefits from the goodness remaining in the placenta. It also helps regulate the baby's body temperature and breathing.

Benefits of the golden hour for mothers

After birth, hormonal changes help support early attachment and caregiving behaviours. Skin-to-skin contact and nursing the baby release hormones that help the mother connect with her child. This sets the tone for the days to come, making the mother breastfeed the baby longer. It also causes the uterus to contract and stop bleeding, as the first step towards returning to normalcy.

What happens during the golden hour?

Once the baby is cleaned after birth and clinically checked, the baby must be placed next to the mother for skin-to-skin touch. This promotes bonding and stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that supports breastfeeding and nurturing interactions. With the help of the carers, breastfeeding can be initiated during this precious time.

Sakina Dhilawala, mother of one-year-old Shirin, recollects her golden hour.

"When I was expecting Shirin, I went for a couple of lactation classes and seminars. Thanks to these classes, I learnt the importance of the golden hour. Once I delivered my daughter, I insisted to the doctor and nurses that I wanted skin-to-skin contact with her, and they obliged. I also wanted delayed cord clamping. It is advisable for expecting moms to go for such classes and be aware."

What if immediate skin-to-skin contact is not possible?

If skin-to-skin contact is not possible at birth, the benefits remain the same as when it happens for the first time. The father or another primary caregiver may be able to provide skin-to-skin contact until the mother can.

However, evidence indicates that when a newborn is placed with their mother immediately after birth, the baby's body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate stabilize and become normal. This sets breastfeeding in motion and calms both the mother and baby.

Also, it is the first step to bonding. When the baby is made to lie against their mother's skin, their familiarity with the touch and smell of the mother is established and enhanced.

If you have a C-section birth

Mothers who undergo a C-section delivery sometimes find it difficult to breastfeed their baby. If possible, breastfeeding should begin in the recovery room with help from the attending doctor and nurses. Or after she is shifted to post-operative care.

The mother may be recuperating after the operation, but if possible, she should initiate skin-to-skin contact and hold the baby to her chest.

Following a C-section, some babies may be sleepy initially, but breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact can often begin as soon as mother and baby are medically stable.

As soon as the baby wakes up, initiate the first breastfeeding. If that is not possible, colostrum should be expressed to be fed to the child. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the baby's innate breastfeeding reflexes, so the baby breastfeeds better and stays more alert and oriented.

What breastfeeding does for mother and baby

When the baby is in the mother's womb, it can already smell and feel the mother. This helps the baby recognize the mother after birth and helps build an attachment with her.

For the mother, breastfeeding helps her recover physically and emotionally. Oxytocin released during breastfeeding helps the uterus contract after birth and may support the mother's physical recovery. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding may contribute to emotional well-being and help mothers feel more connected to their babies.

This, in turn, helps her connect with her baby. She can make eye contact, talk soothingly to the baby, and caress them. This is the first step in adjusting to motherhood. Further, the early release of oxytocin is said to prime the brain for breastfeeding and stimulate the breasts to produce milk.

How healthcare providers can support early breastfeeding

Most doctors and healthcare providers are aware of the Golden Hour. Discuss your preferences for skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding with your healthcare team. The father is also usually included in this bonding time, and this is known as the 'Sacred Hour'. The mother can be helped on how to position the baby properly for feeding.

A gentle start to your breastfeeding journey

The Golden Hour is more than just the first sixty minutes after birth. It is an opportunity for your baby to receive colostrum, experience skin-to-skin contact, and begin their breastfeeding journey. While circumstances may sometimes delay these first moments together, every effort to support early breastfeeding and close contact can benefit both mother and baby.

Parent checklist: Preparing for the golden hour

• Learn about the benefits of early breastfeeding during pregnancy.
• Discuss skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding preferences with your healthcare provider.
• Include your wishes in your birth plan, if you have one.
• Ask for support with positioning and latching after delivery.
• Begin breastfeeding as soon as medically possible.
• If you have a C-section, ask when skin-to-skin contact can be safely started.
• If direct breastfeeding is delayed, ask about expressing colostrum.

Dr. Aruna Savur is a highly experienced pediatrician and neonatologist based in Bengaluru, India. She specializes in neonatal intensive care and is a recognized International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Trusted sources:

• World Health Organization
• UNICEF
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Crenshaw JT. Healthy Birth Practice #6: Keep Mother and Baby Together—It's Best for Mother, Baby, and Breastfeeding, The Journal of Perinatal Education.

Last updated on: June 25, 2026